Local Anti-HST Movement Committed As Ever

Wednesday, November 03, 2010 01:36 PM

Anti-HST rally outside MLA Pat Bell's office in September Opinion250 file photo

Prince George, B.C. - The organizer of the local Anti-HST campaign sees Gordon Campbell's resignation as a major victory for in the fight to repeal the harmonized sales tax.

"My initial reaction was surprise," says Eric Allen, "Because I didn't think that he would -- I certainly thought that he should, but I thought he was too bull-headed to do that."

Allen says with the 'Top Dog' dislodged, "I would like to see Colin Hansen go with him (Campbell) and then I'd like to see those remaining people in the Liberal government get rid of the HST."

Allen says while he doesn't speak for the whole HST movement, he believes there's consensus to carry on with the recall initiative, set to begin in the Lower Mainland in January. In fact, he believes the organizers remain as committed as ever, "Definitely, maybe even more so because now we see there's a chink in the armour."

Allen says next year's referendum on the tax was never satisfactory to the anti-HST movement because it wasn't legally binding and did nothing to address the three components put forward in head organizer Bill Vander Zalm's proposed legislative bill: 1. rescinding the HST, 2. refunding the dollars paid, and 3. re-instating the PST.

"There's nothing out there that requires the government to hold a referendum, except for Gordon Campbell's word and he says he's leaving, so we need something more than that."

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Posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2010 01:36 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 3 2010 2:57 PM

There is no doubt that the anti-HST movement did do a lot to bring down Gordon Campbell.
And he can't say he wasn't warned.
Still, I don't think the Liberals expected a revolt to the extent that they got with the anti-HST outcry.
The rest of Campbells government will also pay a price down the road.
That's what happens when politicans lie and manipulate, rather than listen to the voters.
Will you people ever learn to listen to those who elected you?
Or will you simply keep saying you are in fact listening, and then simply do it your way?
The politician who actually learns to listen to those who voted for them and stands up for them over party platform and what their leaders want,will probably find themselves elected for life.
That's all anyone really wants.
Why do I think it will never happen?

Posted by: He spoke on November 3 2010 3:05 PM

The HST is here to stay. The NDP is not going to vote it out. If they do, it will only be replaced by another tax to do the same thing. We overturn the HST, payback the feds 1.6 billion dollars, and end up with another tax.... hmmmm lets stick with the HST and don't pay back the Feds.

The boo hooers got what they wanted, Gordo is out.

Posted by: camoose on November 3 2010 4:10 PM

I didn't get what I want, YET. I want all the lying Liberals gone.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 3 2010 4:11 PM

Hard to say what the outcome will be He spoke,but one thing is for sure,this is far from over.
And it does not guarantee Carole James the big chair in government.
Not by a long shot.
I want to hear what she has to say,and it had better be something good.
Until now,she has given us nothing but the usual whiney drivel she is known for.
Personally,I have never voted NDP in my life, and I still don't have a reason do so yet.
Guess it is up to them.
It will be an interesting political scene over the next few months!
My main wish right now,regardless of who gets in or leads the Liberals,I want to see the damn books!
And the real books...not the cooked ones!

Posted by: ammonra on November 3 2010 4:36 PM

We have not received 1.6 billion. We have received about half a billion so far, and that is all that needs to be paid back. Note also that the 15% reduction in income tax rates will cost the province about half a billion dollars. In other words, the money could have been paid back to the feds very easily since it is obviously available.

Posted by: Palopu on November 3 2010 5:52 PM

It is absolutely necessary that people do not lose thier focus on this issue.

1. The HST is a tax shift from Business and Corporations to consumers. This tax will cost an average family at least $1000.00 per year, or $10,000.00 over ten years. This is money that used to be paid by Business and Corporations and is now being paid by the average taxpayer, This is over and above all the other taxes that you pay.

2. Anyone with half a brain and a butt should be able to see that the HST was a huge gift from Campbell and Hansen to Business and Corporations. Because most of what is produced in BC is exported out of the Country and becuase exporting Companies get a tax credit which they use to offset the HST they pay, the consumers pays all the tax, and will not (repeat will not) get any reduction in prices.

3. Campbell and Hansen tried to pull a fast one on the taxpayers of BC and they got caught and they are now paying the price for being less than honest. There are a number of other members of this Government that should resign also.

4. The Liberals will lose the next election unless they very quickly recind the HST, and Reinstate the PST,. and get this tax situation back to normal. Even then their chances of forming the next election are slim at best.

5. The HST fiasco is a prime example of a politician foisting himself on his own petard.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 3 2010 6:10 PM

That is the way I understand it too,ammonra.
I guess the Campbell and his trained seals forgot to mention that part?
Typical,ain't it.
And they wonder why they are in trouble and their leader is as good as gone?
Talk about a classic example of why "honesty" is the best policy!
Their devotion to half truths and spin killed them.
And from the way they are conducting themselves right now in Campbells defense,shows they have learned NOTHING!

Posted by: Eagleone on November 3 2010 6:28 PM

Most all liberals other then Blair Leskstrom stood silent when they had a chance to speak up... they are all just as guilty as Gordon Campbell for their actions. I am waiting to hear their resignations as well.

I am shocked Gordon Campbell would resign with out calling a confidence election as was the traditional norm in this province. Further evidence we are loosing our democracy.

Posted by: interceptor on November 3 2010 6:59 PM

Just to repeat what I have said previously... There will be ZERO successful recalls. The ten to 15 percent anti hst is impressive but no where near the 40% needed for recall. Sorry.

Ps - it is nice to see palupo has reduced his original $2000 a year claim to $1000. I guess even the anti HST ranters are starting to back off on the fear mongering. ;-)

Posted by: Palopu on November 3 2010 8:25 PM

Interceptor. My position has always been between $500.00 to $2000.00 per year per person based on what you purchase. The $1000.00 figure is somewhere in the middle. I have no way to predict exactly how much it will cost individuals because I do not know what they spend their money on.

However, I have tracked my spending and so far I have determined that this tax will cost me in excess of $1300.00 per year. It will be significanly more for those people with higher incomes, a bigger spending habits.

Insofar as the recalls go, dont kid yourselve. There is a good chance that the first three will be successful. That would be. One in the Cariboo, One in Kamloops, and One in Victoria.

Remember that the Naysayers said that the antiHST movement would never get enough signatures to forces this issue to elections BC and to a referendum. So much for that line of BS. The same line is now being run out in regards to recall, however none of it is based on fact. Even with the departure of the Premier which is a direct result of the antiHST movement, some people still dont get the message.

The HST has to be cancelled. If it isnt then the politicians supporting it will be removed from office, and the Government itself will lose the next election. People are sick and tired of being taxed to the hilt, and they are sending a clear message.

Posted by: gus on November 4 2010 1:13 AM

Allen says: "Definitely, maybe even more so because now we see there's a chink in the armour."

That is one view. The other view, of course, is that it was finally acknowledged that there was a chink in the armour and that it is now finally being repaired. Whether it will be ready in time for the main battle yet to be fought will be interesting to see.

Posted by: gus on November 4 2010 1:18 AM

BTW, I sure hope that this does not turn into a two year election period like the USA. It would be a great way to kill the province for sure if both sides in the Legislature will not conduct their business with due diligence.

Two years without staying focused on running this province would be detrimental to the population.

All parties are responsible for ensuring that it is nose to the grindstone. Even the general population.

Let us not turn BC into a mini-USA.