NDP Says Latest HST Tactics Won't Fool Anyone

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - The NDP's Finance critic says the provincial government has muddied the waters in the run up to the HST referendum, with yesterday's announcement of its 'Talking Taxes' campaign.

The Liberal's 'talking taxes' events begin next week and are being billed as providing a 'timely and important opportunity' to seek public input on how to improve the Harmonized Sales Tax.

"Mr. Falcon is attempting to blur the lines here, I think, confuse people about what's really at issue here," says Bruce Ralston.  "The question on the referendum is a very clear one - are you in favour of getting rid of the HST and returning to the PST?"

The government also announced $1.7-million dollars in funding for 'well-informed public engagement' in the weeks leading up to that date with a total of $500-thousand dollars for the 'yes' and 'no' sides; $500-thousand for universities, colleges and institutes to hold information sessions; and $700-thousand for an information guide, with statements from both sides, to be sent to every home in the province.

Ralston says the Recall and Initiative Act calls for a fair public debate and, he says, by doing it this way, the government is giving itself the lion's share of the money.  "In addition, there's no limit on the spending that third parties can do," says the NDP critic.  "So businesses that support the HST and might benefit from it, will be free to advertise in support of it - so the sky's the limit in terms of spending."

"My view is that nothing's really changed with the Liberal Government - people are going to be cynical about this kind of spending and using public money this way."

Ralston adds, "They're obviously going to give it a try with lots of public money and help from some of Mr. Falcon's business supporters, but I don't think that it will be successful.

Meantime, the independent HST panel tasked with reporting to British Columbians on the implications of keeping the HST or returning to the PST and GST was supposed to present its final report last week.  However, the panel sought and received government approval to extend the deadline to early May, citing a desire to ensure it includes the significant number of submissions its received and to avoid overlap with the federal election.

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