Harmonized Sales Tax is coming

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) combines the GST and PST into a single tax which means that many formerly PST exempt goods and services will now be subject to the new combined tax of 13% (5% GST + 8% PST).

Estimates from the three Maritime provinces where it is already in effect (Nova Scotia, New Burnswick and Newfoundland-Labrador) indicate that the implementation of the HST in Ontario will result in an increase of $1billion in new taxes for Ontario residents in the first year of the tax.
The federal government is pressuring the province to adoptthe HST and is offering transition funds to assist in its implementation. Supporters claim that the tax will provide large savings for businesses and provide incentives for investment and business expansion.


During a time when tens of thousands of people in Onatrio are losing there jobs it becomes very attractive to the Ontario Government to assist businesses and try to retain jobs as well as receive the extra revenue from this tax.


The HST is supported by theToronto Star and many business groups. The Ontario Finance Minister is considering introducing the tax in his March 2009 budget statement. Premier Dalton McGuinty is on record as seriously considering this tax for Ontario. It is reported in the news that the Canada Revenue Agency is funding workshops to discuss the implememntation of the HST tax.


Kurt Christensen lives in Markham, Ontario and is a former business owner and Scarborough City Councillor. He strongly believes that the public has not been fully consulted about the benefits or possible negative impact of the HST and would like to see an open and full public debate on the new tax before the matter proceeds any further.


Kurt has been a community activist for many years: as afundraiser and Master of Ceremonies For Scarborough Day at the CNE; as the founder and Chair of the Scarborough Tourism and Convention Board; as the Honourary Chair of the Scarborough Restaurant Association; as a lobbyist for local issues; as a founder of several community associations; and, as a Knight of the Malta for community service. Presently, he teaches Civics in the High Schools of Toronto where he encourages his students to become more civic minded citizens.


The following survey will be presented to the Premier at a future date.


Please indicate if you support or do not support this new tax for Ontario. Please click on the link below:

http://snappoll.com/poll/316481.php

For further information please send your emails to kurtechristensen@yahoo.ca

Here is so more information for you to make an informed decision.

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/578862

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2F

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/christina_blizzard/2009/02/22/8481471-sun.html&h=f9a97aaa3eae610b21229688c37949eb/