The "Occupy Wall Street" movement, which spread to many cities around the world last fall, once again brought the never-ending question of income inequality to the forefront of public debate. Concerns about this issue have also been fed by studies that have appeared over the past year, especially those from the Conference Board of Canada and the OECD. However, even though these studies present data showing that income inequality in Canada has been tending to increase, the interpretation of their conclusions is not as obvious as it might appear at first glance.

The tax-the-rich rhetoric.

In its 2012-2013 Budget, the Canadian government announced its intention to gradually raise the age of eligibility for Old Age Security benefits from 65 to 67. Future generations will surely come to see this as a timid adjustment measure. If life expectancy keeps rising as expected, government policies in this area will need to be guided by a new paradigm for retirement.

Analysis on increasing life expectancy and public pension benefits.

Analysis on increasing life expectancy and public pension benefits.

The Taxation Act and its multitude of exemptions, deductions and benefits.

In its updated 2011 Budget tabled after the last election, the federal government announced a Strategic and Operating Review of its spending, the results of which will be unveiled when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivers his next budget on March 29.

Review of the federal government's spending and workforce cuts.

The Quebec public sector debt.

The 2012-2013 Bachand budget.