Today’s Poll

B.C. government to hold earlier HST vote under Referendum Act

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
March 25th, 2011

British Columbians will have an earlier vote on the HST than previously scheduled and it will be conducted under the authority of the Referendum Act.

The Referendum Act ensures a simple majority vote will determine the outcome of the referendum. Further details on the referendum will be finalized by an order-in-council, but the government is working toward a date of June 24.

The vote will include the following:

• Referendum question – No change. The referendum question will be exactly the same as drafted by the acting chief electoral officer:

“Are you in favour of extinguishing the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) and reinstating the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) in conjunction with the GST (Goods and Services Tax)? Yes/No.”

• Voting process – Mail-in ballot. Moving to a mail-in ballot is expected to save taxpayers $18 million and address potential voter fatigue. It will be undertaken by Elections BC in a neutral fashion.

The Province will also provide funding to ensure proponents and opponents are able to participate in the public dialogue about the HST in a fair and transparent manner. Further details on the funding will be provided as they become available.

 

Learn more

For more information on the HST, visit: www.hstinbc.ca

For more information on Elections B.C. visit: www.elections.bc.ca

 

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