Dear editor,
The subject is the HST rebate to families with children under the age of 18 years of age.
I was not clear as to how this works and phoned our esteemed MLA's office and found out that he had two children under the age of 18, but that he did not qualify, as his income was over $40,000 per year. I was satisfied with this arrangement.
A few minutes after this phone call, I received a second call from his office correcting the information and indeed Mr. McRae will receive a refund on HST for his two children.
When I asked how this could be fair, for someone who is an MLA and also minister of agriculture, making $100,000 plus per year, could qualify, when seniors on fixed income of say, $50,000 per year per family would not qualify for a refund.
I was told it would be too complicated to have the refund based on family income. I wish to point out that it is not too complicated to base the provincial prescription drug plan on family income.
Please note that the pro-HST campaign talks to no end about the fact that the HST will be reduced to 10 per cent. However, little is said that it will not occur until 2014.
Being in my 80s, I hope I will see this reduction.
Grant Compton,
Courtenay