Criticisms
The program generated controversy both inside and outside Alberta. Although few Albertans turned down their cheques, some residents criticized what they saw as a pointless giveaway, and preferred to see the excess money put toward long-term benefits such as tax cuts or the abolition of health care premiums, which as of January 2009 have been eliminated.
Outside Alberta, some believed that the program would generate resentment from Canadians who saw cheques delivered to every Albertan.
Ralphbucks also made it into national media after a handful of non-Albertans came forward to admit they had received Ralphbucks cheques to which they were not entitled, prompting criticism from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Read more about this topic: Prosperity Bonus
Famous quotes containing the word criticisms:
“I have no concern with any economic criticisms of the communist system; I cannot enquire into whether the abolition of private property is expedient or advantageous. But I am able to recognize that the psychological premises on which the system is based are an untenable illusion. In abolishing private property we deprive the human love of aggression of one of its instruments ... but we have in no way altered the differences in power and influence which are misused by aggressiveness.”
—Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)
“The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. Sobriety diminishes, discriminates, and says no; drunkenness expands, unites, and says yes.”
—William James (1842–1910)