The Ontario Provincial Government in their ulitmate wisdom tabled their proposal for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) comprised of PST (8%) and GST (5%) resulting in the new HST (13%). On the surface that doesn't sound too bad since both PST and GST has been in place in Ontario for quite some time. However, the new HST will see an additional 8% tax on goods and services that previously were exempt from PST.
This includes: gasoline, utilities (heating, hydro, natural gas), internet bills, prepared foods over $4, magazines, adult footwear under $30, admissions under $4 (eg. pool, skating rink), veterinary care, personal services (eg. hair stylist), professional services (eg. legal, accountant), membership fees, real estate commissions, commercial property rentals, condo fees, landscaping, vitamins, most admissions to live theatres, taxi fares, conferences and seminars, dry cleaning, carpet cleaning, labour costs related to home renovation, motor vehicle services, ice rink rentals, hotels, overnight summer camps, domestic air and rail travel, bus tickets, Christmas trees, electrical and plumbing services, snowplowing, bicycles, funeral costs, postage stamps, courier fees, golf green fee, new homes over $400,000 (but there's a rebate).
[rant]
Well now, if you didn't suspect Ontario was being governed by a bunch of money grabbing morons this should confirm it. Which part of we are in a recession do they not understand? Unemployment has increased and many are still living the very real fear of losing their jobs anytime. Our hydro rates are changing to Time of Use (TOU) by June 2010 meaning we will be paying more for our hydro. Food costs continue to increase and food banks are already over taxed trying to feed people who simply don't have enough money for food. The satellite and cable companies are now negotiating with the CRTC for a $10 tax per customer (aka $120/year increase) if they have to pay for local television programming. Now with the signal change folks are forced into using satellite and cable services because they can no longer get more than a couple of channels using an antenna. Gasoline is already high enough priced without taxing it more and in case these morons don't understand many taxpayers in rural communities have no choice but to drive to work. So I suppose they could get up a few hours earlier since sleep is highly over rated anyway and commute to work on their bike but they best buy it before the HST comes into effect otherwise they will be paying an additional 8%. The internet [which by world standards in Canada is the worst] has become a way for unemployed taxpayers to find jobs without having spend money they can ill afford traveling to search for employment. Those on fixed incomes rely on the internet to stay in touch with their loved ones because of the high cost of long distance phone charges. So why not penalize anyone using the internet by applying an 8% tax.
Now the premise is this HST is going to be good for Ontario by stimulating the economy and create jobs. I say that is bull hockey! People who are already giving up luxuries like warm winter clothes for kids, food and medications just to keep a roof over their heads are not going to be stimulated into spending by adding an 8% tax. It is not very encouraging when a taxpayer struggles to be environmentally friendly by reducing their hydro consumption with very little incentive from the Ontario government only to see their bill increase by 8% and the sad reality is many are reducing their consumption not because they are trying to be eco-friendly but because they simply can't afford the current rates.
People have been tightening their belts. We have changed our spending habits especially for any dollars spent in Ontario already. If the HST goes through it will not affect us as much as others but I resent the Ontario government for forcing us to consume less all the way around. Taxpayers can minimize the impact of the HST by buying used privately and eliminating things like magazines. Prepared foods (aka restaurants) can be drastically cut back on or eliminated. Add an inexpensive movie package to your television service and eliminate going to the theatre. Any home renovations should be DIY and if you can't do-it-yourself find a family member or friend to help you. As long as no money changes hand the Ontario government can't profit from their latest brain wave. Don't use domestic air, rail or bus travel. Remove your carpeting to eliminate any cleaning costs. It's better for your indoor air quality. Finally tell your family to refuse a funeral for you. Just tell them to prop you up beside the jukebox it you die!
[/rant]
What can you the Ontario taxpayer do to stop the HST? Seriously get involved! Write your MPP and often! Yes you will get a canned reply but keep writing. Sign any petition possible. Inform any services such as air, rail and bus that you use that if the HST goes into effect you will no longer use their service. These services can put a lot more pressure on the Ontario government than one person can. Take your tourist dollars outside of Ontario but be sure to inform services and your MPP that you are doing so because of the HST. Buy used privately and become a DIY but be sure to tell stores and services that you are doing so because of the HST. Again more voices are better than one. Write as many letters to the editors of various newspapers as possible expressing your concerns over having to pay an additional 8% especially on gasoline and utilities. Write about it on Facebook and MySpace. Tweet about it on and often Twitter. Blog about it then pass the word through Digg and StumbleUpon. Organize and/or participate in any form of peaceful protest you can to help stop the HST. Finally when it comes time for an election express your displeasure with the HST with your vote!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
