STAYING IN TOUCH
HST is a HaSTy decision
By John O'Toole/The Scugog Standard

Claims made about the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) must not go unchallenged. The government’s promotional campaign in favour of the HST is making extravagant and unproven claims about jobs and tax rates. However, the fact remains that the majority of Ontario citizens simply can’t afford to pay $3 billion in new taxes.

When you hear promises about more jobs and tax cuts from the provincial government, please keep in mind the following facts from the Opposition’s Credibility Watch:

-The McGuinty government has raised corporate taxes by 75 per cent since taking office. Even if the McGuinty Government followed through on the package promised in its latest legislation, the corporate taxes would still be 25 per cent higher than when this government took office.

-This government has already introduced the largest income tax increase in history through the so-called ‘health tax.’ This tax has amounted to $15 billion since its introduction in 2004.
-More than a million new jobs have been promised this year through the 2009 budget and the so-called ‘tax package.’ The reality is that, under this government, there has been a net loss of 32,000 jobs.

-Small business taxes have been increased by 37.5 per cent since this government came to office in 2003. Even if the new tax package were to proceed, small businesses will still be paying 12.5 per cent more in increased taxes since the McGuinty government took office.

-Many of these promises will not come into effect until 2018. (That’s eight years and two elections from now.)

-Seniors will be among Ontarians hardest hit by the Harmonized Sales Tax. Like all Ontarians, seniors will be paying eight per cent more for essential products such as electricity, home heating fuel and gasoline. Some health and fitness services will also be subject to the HST. Unfortunately, many seniors are least able to afford the increase. The Canadian Association of Retired Persons estimates 72.5 per cent of seniors in a survey oppose Ontario and B.C. harmonizing their sales taxes. A typical senior couple living at home could pay up to $2,800 in new taxes under the HST.

The Official Opposition will continue to insist that there be full consultation into the HST before the provincial legislation is passed. Unfortunately, the provincial government seems intent on using its majority to force the passage of the Bill with minimum input from citizens.

Legislature Considers Call for Elected Ontario Senators
A Private Member’s Bill calling for the election of Ontario senators was rejected earlier this month in the Ontario Legislature. Bill 67, the Senators’ Selection Act, was introduced by MPP Bob Runciman. Under MPP Bob Runciman’s proposal, elections for senators would be held either in conjunction with provincial and municipal elections or separately. The federal government would be asked to pick individuals elected in the senate vote when filling senate vacancies for Ontario.