HST Debate

VICTORIA — The debate over the harmonized sales tax is not dying down, and some say, it’s causing a lot of grief for the Campbell Government, as the two challenges make their way through court. Supporters say the tax will help build a stronger economy, reduce duplication by making the system more efficient and ease tax collection. But those opposed to the tax disagree. The BC Government and business groups argued today in the Provinces Supreme Court that the HST is a Federal Statute, and therefore can only be reversed by the Federal Government. But Anti-HST advocate Bill Vander Zalm says whether it's Federal or provincial, it's going to cost them. "The premier knows the people don't want the tax, the federal government is saying it's not their tax but either way we will take the fight to who is responsible. And if it is federal as the Province is trying to state today, then we'll right the feds, and it will cost Mr. Harper a lot of votes in this province" And once again, BC's Chief Electoral Officer Craig James declined to comment on why he refused to pass the HST petition on to the legislature. He says he will not make a statement until all court proceedings are settled. But Bill Vander Zalm isn't going to wait. He says there is no tax people will be in favor of his platform for Anti-HST is that any new tax should be the decision of the people, and that the current situation is not the result of what he calls, "a fair and democratic process."

Channel: YouTube Video Length: 3m 11s Date Found: Wed, Aug 18 2010 4:56 AM Category: News Date Produced: Wed, Aug 18 2010 1:28 AM View Count: 0