Liberals’ ‘credibility’ soiled by new study on HST: Mungall
By Nelson Daily Editor
After a government-appointed panel released a report on the impacts of the HST, Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall is disturbed at the discrepancies between the results and the promises made by BC Liberals.
Although the BC Liberals assured that the harmonized sales tax would create over 100,000 jobs and economic growth in the province, the data clearly shows otherwise, said Mungall.
“Every single BC Liberal MLA adamantly asserted that the HST would create 113,000 jobs,” she said. “And now we see that the projections are a fraction of that. Add to this the possible job losses in industries like the food services, and the gains are even less.”
According to the panel report, Canadian families will continue to pay a higher price since the introduction of the HST, shelling out an average of $350 more per year.
This estimate does not include outside expenses such as home renovations, and the costs of other basic amenities. Meanwhile, taxation for corporate business in BC is the lowest in Canada.
“The burden of this tax is on the backs of small businesses and BC families,” Mungall stated. “Judging by the evidence of this panel report, it is fair to say the BC Liberals cannot be trusted.”
Since the day the HST was introduced, the BCNDP has been clear on its position, said Mungall.
“We oppose the HST because it is the wrong tax at the wrong time. In addition, we support the people’s referendum to stop this dig into their pockets. We will be working with them to ensure a fair process, and that the public’s voice is heard.”
Learn more
The Independent Panel’s Report, May 4, 2011, PDF attached.
http://hstinbc.ca/making_your_choice/independent_panel/independent_panel_releases_report
