Governor General to pay taxes
The 2012 budget adds one prominent Canadian to the tax rolls — Governor General David Johnston.
The budget removes the governor general’s tax-free status and means the regal representative will begin paying taxes next year. The move was made following “consultations” between Ottawa and the governor general. Both sides agree that governors general “should be subject to tax in the same manner as the salary of other Canadians.” But Johnston won’t be feeling the pinch after paying the taxman. His salary, now about $139,000 a year, will be boosted to ensure he’s not out of pocket.