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QUEEN’S PARK – Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP today voted against the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) as the McGuinty Liberals used their majority to ram through the largest sales tax increase in Ontario with no public input from outside Toronto. “We have heard from thousands and thousands of people across Ontario who said they cannot afford Dalton’s Hated Sales Tax,” said Hardeman. “I have heard from small businesses, seniors and families who pleaded with Dalton not to go ahead with this massive tax increase.” The new 13% harmonized sales tax will apply to hundreds of items that were previously PST exempt, resulting in an 8% increase. Some of these items include: gasoline, electricity, home heating fuel, vitamins, internet access, cable television, hair cuts, magazines, rental of ice arenas, train travel, veterinary services and accountants. In addition, under the HST farmers will lose their point of sale exemption. To calculate how much the HST tax increase is going to cost you or sign the petition against the tax, please visit www.ErnieHardemanMPP.com. “Dalton McGuinty has chosen the Christmas season to force through a Bill that will increase costs of everything from Christmas trees and stamps for Christmas cards to the gas needed to visit family and friends,” said Hardeman. “I wouldn’t want to call him a grinch, but if the tax increase fits…” Tim Hudak and the PC Caucus used every legislative tool possible to fight and delay Bill 218 which allowed the new HST. However the Liberal government forced it through using time allocation. “The McGuinty Liberals have used every trick at their disposal to ram this tax grab through without a single hour of public hearings outside of Queen’s Park,” said Ontario PC Leader, Tim Hudak. “The PC Caucus will continue to fight for the families and seniors this government is intent on ignoring.” - 30 - For more information, contact:
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