I’ll have a longer article on this in the National Post online tomorrow, but for now let’s compare notes:
“HST benefits will take some time”
Finance Minister Colin Hansen is playing down a study that suggests the HST will take five to ten years to benefit BC’s economy, with a negative effect on jobs and take-home-pay in the meantime.
The study by the CD Howe Institute was published in 2008, and Hansen says “flexibility” on the part of Ottawa has reduced the negative impacts of the tax, “The seven percent Provincial portion does not apply to motor fuels, it does not apply to home energy costs. The fact that we’ve been able to carve out those exemptions are important. And also, I think the fact that the Province is going to be 1.6 billion dollars better off because of the transition dollars.”
“HST, THE RIGHT MOVE AT THE RIGHT TIME”
DELTA – The Harmonized Sales Tax will improve British Columbia’s economy, build productivity and competitiveness and provide the foundation for more jobs, Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced today.
“A strong economy is necessary to create the jobs we need to provide revenue for essential public services like health and education. The vast majority of businesses can recover the HST they pay and remove the hidden taxes that get passed on to and paid by consumers. These savings will keep prices competitive, spur investment, create new jobs and boost our province’s economy” said Hansen.
The right move at the right time to create jobs coming out of a recession? Or the wrong move at the wrong time to create tax breaks for business associates?
“This kind of explanation beggars belief. Is it plausible to believe that Mr.Hansen was not properly informed of the importance of the Ontario document?”
No,it is NOT! The arrogance of the Liberal government on this is astounding. Apparently they believe that any lie is better than the truth.
Hansen is a Cabinet Minister,and would have been fully aware of every development in this important negotiation with the federal government.
I am so pissed off at these guys that I may just vote NDP next election if the Conservatives don’t field a credible list of candidates. Many B.C.’ers feel the same way.
We’ve been pushed beyond the breaking point on this one, and Campbell and the Liberals are about to get a nasty surprise next election.
Aha, I see you went and read the NP blog entry.
It truly is reprehensible isn’t it? I can’t see the Liberals rebounding from this one.