Revolting

With the HST coming to Ontario and BC, a major revolt seems to be underway west of the Rockies. This is what makes BC politics so much fun to watch: the revolt is being spearheaded by former premier Bill Vander Zalm.

The main argument made FOR the tax is that it will streamline reporting and save businesses money. Fair enough, I suppose, but here's the majority sentiment.

First, Gordon Campbell lied. During a recent election campaign he clearly said that this tax harmonization wasn't in future plans. Mere months later, here we are. I don't want to come across as excessively naive in reminding readers that Campbell lied, after all, this IS Canadian politics....

So let's move to point # 2. This HST will basically increase taxes on many goods and services from 5% (or in some cases, 7%) to 12%. End of point.

Supporters and economists make comforting noises about how reduced costs to businesses will trickle down to consumers (eventually). Since this IS Canada, I'm guessing that most people in BC are just a wee bit skeptical about this claim. Believing in lower prices (and, indeed, lower taxes) is akin to having faith in the tooth fairy.