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How is the $1.6-billion incentive to create the HST being spent?

I would be interested in seeing a financial statement that shows exactly where the $1.6-billion incentive to create the HST has already been used. If it was well spent, then we should already be seeing some value and improvement in the province and it would be great to know about that.

Dear editor,

Thank you for the information that we are to receive the last payment of the $1.6-billion incentive to create the HST this month (editorial, July 6).

I trust that the Liberal government has wisely put that lump sum of $580 million into a trust account until the results of the referendum have been announced.

I would be interested in seeing a financial statement that shows exactly where the $1.6 billion has already been used. This money was like a bonus or a lottery win, not something that we normally had the opportunity to spend.

Do we now have a heritage fund for the future, or have we created new projects that will create new jobs in the province, or have we supported new research in health that will benefit many? Perhaps it will help foster the arts in the province or create more opportunities for young people to get advanced education and skills?

I trust it was spent so that people in all areas of the province and all ages of B.C.ers would benefit. If it was well spent, then we should already be seeing some value and improvement in the province and it would be great to know about that.

If we extinguish the HST, repayment for money spent on great projects as described above, would then seem to be rather like repaying a loan or an investment in the future and we would be able to begin right away by refunding the newly arrived $580 million.

It wouldn't seem to be such a bad task to repay money that was working well for all of us.

Dorothy Salter,

Area B