Dear editor,
No question, the Province did a poor job of rolling out the HST change, but it was the right decision at the time.
It is a fairer tax, less complicated and certainly more beneficial to our domestic and international competitiveness. In the interest of improving our economy and creating jobs we cannot ignore the fact that we are competing in a global economy.
No question, it would be great to not have to pay any sales tax but as a resident of this province we demand more and more services and they have to be paid for.
No question, we could vote against the HST and force the government to reintroduce the GST, PST and pay back the $1.6 billion transition amount to the federal government.
This would probably require an increase in the PST rate to cover its reintroduction and definitely would reintroduce the complications for business to be recovered in their future sale prices.
No question, we could ignore the recommendation of all three major accounting bodies CAs, CGAs and CMAs and the majority of economists who support the change to the HST.
No question, we could ignore the proposed recent changes to the HST made by the Province, effectively benefiting the taxpayers.
No question, we have been told the HST is bad by certain people but their position is not supportable or reasonable. Voting Yes to repeal the HST is a step back in time with a considerable cost and absolutely no net benefit.
No, should be your answer to repealing the GST and reintroducing the PST and GST.
J. Murray Presley,
Courtenay
Editor's note: J. Murray Presley is on Courtenay council and is a chartered accountant.