In the course of human endeavor, there are times when the efforts of many can propel society forward into new territory.  In effect, groups of people and even whole provinces and countries become explorers, or another way to put it, social entrepreneurs.  And so it is with the anti-HST movement and the successful initiative petition campaign, which collected over 700,000 signatures in a mere 90 days and has forced the government to schedule a referendum on the tax for next year.  This experience is unprecedented in the history of the province, as well as the country itself.

In the process of this struggle, a profound principle has emerged that has changed British Columbian politics forever.

What is that principle?  It is that the people of this province must be the ones who decide which kind of tax system we adopt in British Columbia.  Not only must we be included in the discussion, we must have the final say.

Whenever society moves forward into new territory, there are always those who hang on to the old, discredited ways, who try to turn things backwards, who try to block the way.  Premier Campbell, along with his cabinet, is an example.  He attempted to impose the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on the people of BC in a dictatorial manner, not even bothering to consult the Legislature, let alone allowing people to make the final decision.  As a result, he sparked massive opposition and has brought disgrace on his party and government. 

But he is not alone in his manner of thinking.  Many people from different political persuasions have participated enthusiastically in the Fight HST campaign.  This includes, to their credit, many supporters and members of the NDP, who along with others, have worked hard in this struggle.

However, the provincial leadership of the NDP, in a number of ways, does not think much differently than Premier Campbell on the issue of how tax policy should be decided and who should make the final decision.  Carole James, leader of the party, has repeatedly claimed that, if elected, there will be little her government could do about getting rid of the HST.  Even worse, she has made statements to the effect that allowing citizens to make decisions by referendum on tax policy is "a terrible idea" and that next year's referendum should be seen as only an "exception" and not the rule. 

Thus, the leadership of both parties is still caught up in the old mindset, the old way of doing things, where tax policy is cooked up behind closed doors and the people play no part, except paying the tax bill.  But British Columbians have moved forward in their thinking. The leadership of these two parties have not.  As the saying goes, "they just don't get it".

What does this new situation mean for the immediate future?  One thing is clear.  Whichever party is in power, whether it be Liberal, NDP or any other, if it wants to change the tax system or make fundamental tax changes in any way, it must get voter approval through a provincial referendum with a binding, simple majority. 

This does not mean that every little tax increase or decrease needs a referendum.  But it does mean that, if a government wants to make a major change (like moving to the HST), the people must have input and final say. 

So, if the HST is defeated in next year's referendum, which very well may happen, the previous tax system (PST) must be re-instated, until such time as a new system is brought in by voter approval in a referendum.  If either the Liberals or NDP refuse to abide by this process, then let them "reap the whirlwind."

It also follows that a much more democratic and participatory process must be put in place so that we, the citizens, can discuss, propose, debate and ultimately choose a tax system that works for all the people of this province.

One of the biggest problems with the HST, aside from the anti-democratic way in which it was brought in, is that it is a tax designed to serve the narrow interests of big business.  Indeed, the proponents openly promote it as such, i.e., its main aim is to make BC business "more competitive".  Of course how this is to be supposedly accomplished is by having ordinary citizens pay more while big business pays less. 

But through our massive opposition to the HST, we, British Columbians, have indicated that we want a fair tax system that works for us.  We want good quality public health, education, social services, infrastructure, and other government services, and, at the same time, we don't want massive debt built up by spendthrift, squandering or reckless governments.

In effect, we want a true "people's tax system" that helps accomplish these aims, one that puts forward, first and foremost, the interests of all British Columbians, not just a narrow sector as was done with the HST.

This is the new territory that we have entered.

Peter Ewart is a writer, columnist and community activist based in Prince George, British Columbia.  He can be reached at: peter.ewart@shaw.ca