[tool001]

guess they will get thr $ one way or another, seems like we r going to polls next sept for hst?

The Canadian Press
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Charging HST (harmonized

sales tax): Support or Oppose?
Tell Angus Reid Your Opinion Now
www.AngusReidForum.com
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Harmonized sales tax»
VICTORIA—Internal government documents say repealing the harmonized sales tax in B.C. would cut $5 billion in provincial revenues that would have to be replaced by reintroducing the antiquated provincial sales tax and likely hiking everything else from medical plan premiums to income taxes.

The documents prepared for the Treasury Board say without those tax hikes there would need to be “dramatic” cuts to provincial programs.

The documents, released after a freedom of information request, say the province would have to repay $1 billion in transitional funding from the federal government and would forego another $600,000 promised for next year.

The scenario laid out by the tax policy branch also says the province would lose $30 million in administrative cost savings and could have to refund the HST that has already been paid.

B.C. residents will vote in a referendum on the HST next September, after more than 500,000 British Columbians signed an anti-HST petition earlier this year.

The public backlash over the tax led Premier Gordon Campbell to announce last week that he will step down as soon as the B.C. Liberals can choose a new leader.




source: http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/hst/article/889317--axing-hst-could-force-b-c-to-hike-other-taxes

[originalhypa]

guess they will get thr $ one way or another

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

more taxes, another reason for government to waste money building those bike "LAMES" thats just fucking great
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[TheNewGirl]

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?


And yet the Liberal party is bribing us with tax breaks and then complaining about not having enough money.

I really really wish the politicians would just be clear and transparent about shit.

[spyker]

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?

At least the people of B.C now have a choice(something we very rarely get nowadays)on this tax,if we want it or not....something we did not get in the beginning when the HST was implemented.

[SlySi]

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?

If Gordo only introduced HST properly.
I cant believe 700,000 voters listened to Vander Zalm.

HST for BC would have worked.

[spyker]

I really really wish the politicians would just be clear and transparent about shit.

Good luck with that.

Why not just ask them to shoot themselves in the head or jump off a bridge,it would be easier.

They would rather step down than be honest with people.

[BrRsn]

Tax the fatties! If you can afford to be fat, you can afford to be taxed.
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[Tapioca]

more taxes, another reason for government to waste money building those bike "LAMES" thats just fucking great
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

This is a classic example of why you can't have a discussion about taxes (or most other public initiatives for that matter) because most people can't even get the facts straight before they voice an opinion.

The HST has nothing to do with bike lanes in Vancouver. If you want to talk bike lanes, maybe you should vote someone else other than Vision Vancouver in the next civic election? Oh wait, you don't even live in the City of Vancouver...

[tool001]

meh , just deal with it, HST or other tax ... wish people complain about other things ie. police brutality. homelessness, conditon of vancouver roads. etc etc.

[TomBox_N]

I have no problem with HST to be honest. I just spend less that's all. It's not like anyone who's financially savvy would be hit hard by the tax anyways. The income tax breaks more than make up for the additional taxes that I need to pay. If u eat out everyday and have $200 haircuts, then u deserved to be taxed. But if u'r frugal and make ur own food and stuff the change is hardly noticeable.
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[TheNewGirl]

meh , just deal with it, HST or other tax ... wish people complain about other things ie. police brutality. homelessness, conditon of vancouver roads. etc etc.

How about the pay per use fees we're starting to see in hospitals in the Vancouver Coastal Health region?

[gars]

At least the people of B.C now have a choice(something we very rarely get nowadays)on this tax,if we want it or not....something we did not get in the beginning when the HST was implemented.

The issue is that IF it was decided in a vote - it will never be passed. Given the choice, "do you want to pay more tax or less tax", people will always choose less tax. Economists have already said, that HST is a tax which won't show it's benefit to consumers till 5 years later. It is something good in the long run, but not a good tax for politicians, because they might be voted out of office before the the benefits show up.

[RiceIntegraRS]

Wasnt HST brought into BC to help business with there costs ect. And then in the end run help the consumer pay less with the savings they make. I didnt know HST's real intention was to pay back debt that we had and to help out in provincial programs.

So whats the story here? MAybe if they told truth in the first place, HST would be welcomed with open arms than every1 being against it from the start

[CP.AR]

Vander zalm did his entire stunt to protect his precious land development at fantasy garden.....
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[AWDTurboLuvr]

Wasnt HST brought into BC to help business with there costs ect. And then in the end run help the consumer pay less with the savings they make. I didnt know HST's real intention was to pay back debt that we had and to help out in provincial programs.

So whats the story here? MAybe if they told truth in the first place, HST would be welcomed with open arms than every1 being against it from the start

HST serves/served to reduce the amount of costs incurred for BC business owners, saves money for the provincial government since it costs $50 million a year to administer the old PST and to fund social services.

I welcome consumption taxes over the implementation of income taxes, especially in our overly-materialistic society.

HST would probably never have been welcomed by the general public...this is a long term solution but with short term damages to the political party who puts it in place. Of course, now with a funding shortfall, services will be cut, people will cry out...again.

[darkfroggy]

And yet the Liberal party is bribing us with tax breaks and then complaining about not having enough money.

I really really wish the politicians would just be clear and transparent about shit.

Big difference between armchair politics and the real thing.

You think Libs are going to get elected if they promise they're going to raise taxes?

[Tapioca]

Wasnt HST brought into BC to help business with there costs ect. And then in the end run help the consumer pay less with the savings they make. I didnt know HST's real intention was to pay back debt that we had and to help out in provincial programs.

So whats the story here? MAybe if they told truth in the first place, HST would be welcomed with open arms than every1 being against it from the start

The service industry does represent a healthy share of the economy here, so since the HST, revenue at places like bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, and hair salons has gone down. Many of these businesses have complained that the HST has done nothing to benefit them (though I find that claim dubious when it comes to the food and beverage industry unless they were getting their supplies under the table prior.) And of course some businesses have quietly kept the extra tax savings while maintaining prices (so the money is going somewhere, just not to the end consumer.)

If income taxes are low (which they are in BC), somethings gotta give. There are various ways of doing so - taxing businesses, taxing property and assets, or taxing consumption. Guess which one the government chose?

[TheKingdom2000]

Exactly, people just don't understand that taxes must come from somewhere.

I'd rather pay less income tax than more in HST.
That way, people that buy more get taxed more. I think that's fair. Just like the carbon tax. If you drive you have to pay more in gas tax than those who take public transit/walk/ride
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[TheKingdom2000]

At least the people of B.C now have a choice(something we very rarely get nowadays)on this tax,if we want it or not....something we did not get in the beginning when the HST was implemented.

The average person is an idiot and only cares for themselves. I understand we are in a democracy, but sometimes it's better when shit is decided for us. Especially something like this.

Take for example a middle income family that doesn't buy much. With the HST, potentially income tax would decrease and give them more money in their pocket with having the same social services their used to including their health premiums.

Noiw without the HST they lose all of that.
And this same family will vote to get rid of the hst. Even though doing this will hurt them more
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[BaoTurbo]

Globe and Mail article on the same thing: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/5-billion-is-the-projected-price-tag-for-axing-hst-in-bc/article1794630/

[stylez2k4]

meh , just deal with it, HST or other tax ... wish people complain about other things ie. police brutality. homelessness, conditon of vancouver roads. etc etc.

EVERY SINGLE time its always about the homeless always homeless this homeless that. What issue in the past 10 years in Vancouver wasn't associated with the homeless? I have NEVER stopped hearing people bitching about the homeless

[Mr.HappySilp]

Lol with HST at least I only get taxed on when I spend. Unlike Income Tax or Property tax I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.

Would people rather the gov raise Income or property tax or keep HST. Ppl who sign the Anti HST are stupid and have no clue what they are digging themselves into.

Remember when the NDP was in powers through the 1990s they dig BC into such a mess by freezeing tution fees, handing out tax dollars like it was free, racking up provinical debts and now we are paying for it.

[BrRsn]

Lol with HST at least I only get taxed on when I spend. Unlike Income Tax or Property tax I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.

Would people rather the gov raise Income or property tax or keep HST. Ppl who sign the Anti HST are stupid and have no clue what they are digging themselves into.

Remember when the NDP was in powers through the 1990s they dig BC into such a mess by freezeing tution fees, handing out tax dollars like it was free, racking up provinical debts and now we are paying for it.

People are dumb, they don't understand that. All they know is that taxes are bad, and they're just a cashgrab. The majority of immigrants in BC (Which make up a large population of BC) come from places with such a crappy government that the last thing they want to do is give money to any government. They don't realize what makes Canada different from their country is we have the money to ensure everyone's safety and make their lives better.

If you look @ newspapers or articles they'll write how government officials have gotten a raise in pay, and then in the corner it'll have a different article mention the HST. The average person thinks they're connecting the dots and being ever so clever when they think HST goes to pay government officials or other superfluous things.

And everyone rid the Olympics' dick like no tomorrow with their cute little red gloves but when it comes time to pay everyone's bitching.

Anyways, as everyones said, HST is better than income tax.


PS. Don't fail me murd0c unless you're one of the fatties!

[Sid Vicious]

People are dumb, they don't understand that. All they know is that taxes are bad, and they're just a cashgrab. The majority of immigrants in BC (Which make up a large population of BC) come from places with such a crappy government that the last thing they want to do is give money to any government. They don't realize what makes Canada different from their country is we have the money to ensure everyone's safety and make their lives better.

If you look @ newspapers or articles they'll write how government officials have gotten a raise in pay, and then in the corner it'll have a different article mention the HST. The average person thinks they're connecting the dots and being ever so clever when they think HST goes to pay government officials or other superfluous things.

And everyone rid the Olympics' dick like no tomorrow with their cute little red gloves but when it comes time to pay everyone's bitching.

Anyways, as everyones said, HST is better than income tax.


PS. Don't fail me murd0c unless you're one of the fatties!

alot of people support cuts to provincial programs however, which is why they also opposte tax cuts

this is very basic, but i'm sure alot of people have bones to pick with some of the provincial budget
http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2010/highlights/2010_Highlights.pdf

[q0192837465]

A lot of people are just getting emotional about it. Do people who sign those petitions really know anything about it other than so and so says it's bad. I see many c-lai signing up in rmd just because they heard from someone's frd that HST is bad.

[ilvtofu]

The average person is an idiot and only cares for themselves. I understand we are in a democracy, but sometimes it's better when shit is decided for us. Especially something like this.

Take for example a middle income family that doesn't buy much. With the HST, potentially income tax would decrease and give them more money in their pocket with having the same social services their used to including their health premiums.

Noiw without the HST they lose all of that.
And this same family will vote to get rid of the hst. Even though doing this will hurt them more
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On top of being dumbasses and not understanding the benefits, also think extremely short term and only see the obvious immediate downsides.

[jerche]

That's the thing about the HST, most ppl just jump to conclusions once they see that their restaurant bill is a bit more.

HST is a long term solution which will probably take 2-5 years but ppl just see the short term/immediate effects.

[skyxx]

Where's the HST thread. Put that in there and make everyone read each other's comments on the HST. It's quite enjoyable.

[Anjew]

HST was just implemented horribly wrong and had poor timing. but the HST itself is beneficial.

[JL9000]

I personally have no problems with the HST as long as income tax is kept low, but if it is revenue neutral like they say it is why must they raise other taxes if it is scrapped?

[CorneringArtist]

I have no issue with the HST either, I just hated how it was dumped in the peoples' laps. I'd be completely for it if it was like 10%.

[alwaysideways]

We should start a petition to SAVE THE HST!!!!!!!!


I dont understand people.....We want all the services that governments provide, but we bitch each and every time that a new tax is implemented or they talk about taxes going up. If we want services we need to pay for them. If we want to pay less taxes then we have to be ready to accept the lower services....Or people can just work smarter and make more money?

[2damaxmr2]

What will you do when they raise the HST to 15 or 20% ?

[alwaysideways]

^ Imagine if they raised it to 50%!!! Then what would we do???? LOL WTF kinda comment was that!

To hate the HST itself because it is a new tax is not a worthy argument. To be upset over improper spending ect ect is a much more worth while conversation.

[J____]

it's understandable to increase taxes, but i hate how the government tried to candy coat it and cover it up. This just shows that it was a cash grab after all.

Soon people are going to be moving out of BC for greener pastures.... oh wait, they already have.

[darkfroggy]

What will you do when they raise the HST to 15 or 20% ?

What will you do when a meteor hits Earth, wiping out 99% of all lifeforms?

OMG THE HORROR!!

[darkfroggy]

it's understandable to increase taxes, but i hate how the government tried to candy coat it and cover it up. This just shows that it was a cash grab after all.

Soon people are going to be moving out of BC for greener pastures.... oh wait, they already have.

It's okay, we didn't need those people in the first place.

[goo3]

And everyone rid the Olympics' dick like no tomorrow with their cute little red gloves but when it comes time to pay everyone's bitching.


Except for the Olympic Village, which is a Vancouver city screw up, everything's been paid for. And it wasn't all BC money used to pay for the convention centre, Canada Line, etc either. Ottawa chipped in a good chunk, so did NBC and the other sponsors.. all money we wouldn't have seen, otherwise.

[1BADMR2]

.

[trd2343]

The best line they tried to feed everyone is that once the HST is implemented, prices on goods will drop to compensate. I noticed that the prices on stuff stayed the same or, in quite a few instances, the prices went up.


But who sets the prices? Isn't it the merchants themselves? As far as I know, I thought the HST was always about saving businesses money and passing that savings to consumers.

Merchants not passing on savings -> less consumers because of extra tax -> merchants increase cost to cover the loss of number of consumers -> even less consumers

[penner2k]

My parents run a business and love the HST. The customers eventually will love it too since the savings they get with HST will in turn make it that they dont need to raise prices for the next couple of years.
Most of the people that are bitching about HST either have no clue what they are talking about or are just thinking short term.

[Lomac]

But who sets the prices? Isn't it the merchants themselves? As far as I know, I thought the HST was always about saving businesses money and passing that savings to consumers.

Merchants not passing on savings -> less consumers because of extra tax -> merchants increase cost to cover the loss of number of consumers -> even less consumers

When most people compare pre-HST prices to post-HST prices, they tend to look at bigger box stores (Future Shop, Staples, HBC, etc). The problem with this is that chances are they wont notice these shops drop their prices because they're all set at a national level for all stores across Canada. The costs of having different levels of pricing and the printing of different fliers would eat into the savings, not to mention probably giving these companies AP and AR departments a headache.

If you want to see if prices change, look at local mom and pop stores or retail stores that are only based in BC

[darkfroggy]

But who sets the prices? Isn't it the merchants themselves? As far as I know, I thought the HST was always about saving businesses money and passing that savings to consumers.

Merchants not passing on savings -> less consumers because of extra tax -> merchants increase cost to cover the loss of number of consumers -> even less consumers

How do you know they're not passing on savings? What if they were about the raise the price of their goods, but decided not to thanks to HST?

Not only that, the HST will make BC a good market for investment. High taxes drive away businesses, and do you know what less businesses mean? Less competition, higher prices.

For fuck sake, people are crying about how the HST ruined everything when they were already paying 12% tax on fucking everything. The only part which you see a minor increase in is the restaurant industry.

$600 a month eating out = $42 extra a month. That equals $504 a year. And if you spend $600 a month eating out, you have no right to be bitching about how HST made you broke.

Just so you know, BC recently cut down its income tax rates for middle-class and lower families.

[trd2343]

^^Ahh, that makes sense. I myself have been neutral about the HST. I feel that, people should at least take a look to see if the merchants are doing their part (passing on the savings), before everyone put all the blame on the person who brought HST in.

So, HST would (only?) work if we had a lot of local mom/pop stores and retail stores over national chain store? Because if BC's populated with large number national chain store, it wouldn't be economical for the company to adjust the price just for BC.

[darkfroggy]

The best line they tried to feed everyone is that once the HST is implemented, prices on goods will drop to compensate. I noticed that the prices on stuff stayed the same or, in quite a few instances, the prices went up.

I agree with the way the HST was forced on everyone with not clearly explaining it was just stupid hence the fall out. I find it funny that the carbon tax was so easily accepted although.

Although it hurts my family's wallet slightly, the carbon tax is sound policy.

Any science teacher/professor will tell you that there are way too many fucking cars on the road today. A lot of people who live 10 mins away from the station, still drive to Richmond even though they just opened a new Canada line.

[trd2343]

How do you know they're not passing on savings? What if they were about the raise the price of their goods, but decided not to thanks to HST?



I didn't say they aren't, I don't know myself either, I'm merely stating that if the HST didn't work out, people have to look at the businesses to see if they're actually passing on the savings before blaming the government.

A lot of people are complaining how HST has done nothing except but cost them more when they go out to eat. So why hasn't the HST deliver the savings (or has it?)? What went wrong? Was it because it wasn't logical for companies to adjust price just for BC, or the fact that businesses are actually keeping the savings to themselves?

I don't know the answer either, but I felt that that we could've given HST a bit more time before we judge it. It has only been what, not even half a year since it has been implemented?

[Gridlock]

When most people compare pre-HST prices to post-HST prices, they tend to look at bigger box stores (Future Shop, Staples, HBC, etc). The problem with this is that chances are they wont notice these shops drop their prices because they're all set at a national level for all stores across Canada. The costs of having different levels of pricing and the printing of different fliers would eat into the savings, not to mention probably giving these companies AP and AR departments a headache.

If you want to see if prices change, look at local mom and pop stores or retail stores that are only based in BC

Plus, most of the items at the retail level had no tax increase.

I like the HST system, as I own a small business and I no longer eat PST, but it sucks when I look at my sub-total as my money, and my quote, but the customer looks at the end price, and they at now 12% apart...and thats going to kill work, not increase it, so I can't lower prices because I now claim PST.

[johny]

wasn't the HST revenue netreal??.... why would they need to increase other taxes if removed? are you saying they were lying :eek2:

[t_sack]

You guys can agree with hst now, but they prob increase income taxes and pull some more taxes on our asses later on.

[BoredAtWork]

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?

Its not the people's fault. The government need to understand there should be other sources of revenue other then taxation. Govern the property tax for example, import taxation of foreign country products. Regulate the city's infrastructure, facilities and transport systems thru market competition, not monopolization, etc.

[Gridlock]

That's what made me laugh in the mid-term elections state side.

The Tea Party wanted to shrink the budget, eliminate deficits and lower taxes.

Great plan.

Anytime they were asked, what are you going to cut?

Defense? Nope, we believe in a strong America
Medicare? Nope...we believe in a healthy America
Education? No.
Infrastructure? No.

So what then? Well, gov't in general. No one can mention one substantial program to cut.

It's the same here...lower taxes and no cuts to social programs and maintain a balanced budget.

How about I can offer you two of the three?

[Tapioca]

Its not the people's fault. The government need to understand there should be other sources of revenue other then taxation. Govern the property tax for example, import taxation of foreign country products. Regulate the city's infrastructure, facilities and transport systems thru market competition, not monopolization, etc.

Different levels of government control these services. Do you happen to pay property tax yourself? If you did, you would already know it's "governed" by your municipal politicians.

And are you really serious about opening a city's infrastructure to privatization? :lol

[BoredAtWork]

Different levels of government control these services. Do you happen to pay property tax yourself? If you did, you would already know it's "governed" by your municipal politicians.

And are you really serious about opening a city's infrastructure to privatization? :lol

I agree that different levels of government already control these services. Its a matter of how they control it. You build up a huge multi layer bureaucracy, and pay them overly high wages for doing squat, its bound to fail. Look at most capitalistic societies, and how they run the system.

Why not open city's infrastructure up to privatization? As long as its properly managed, its a win win situation. Privatization means letting stakeholders run the system, instead of fat asses who "think up" idiotic ideas without a tight grip on estimating costs, budgets, and impact. and when it fails, they just slap their fat asses and move on up their corporate chain. Think Translink.

Did you know all the Japanese rail and transport system revscene is so fond of and so well built are all privatized? Even highways, and tunnels.

Another example is the MTR and bus systems in Hong Kong, considered also to be one of the most efficient in the world. Its cheaper and faster (interms of getting from A to B, not speed) then anything in Canada. That too is privatized. As are most Electric, Gas companies in these societies.

[gars]

^^ but what does this have anything to do with HST and the discussion in this thread....?

[Jackygor]

I agree that different levels of government already control these services. Its a matter of how they control it. You build up a huge multi layer bureaucracy, and pay them overly high wages for doing squat, its bound to fail. Look at most capitalistic societies, and how they run the system.

Why not open city's infrastructure up to privatization? As long as its properly managed, its a win win situation. Privatization means letting stakeholders run the system, instead of fat asses who "think up" idiotic ideas without a tight grip on estimating costs, budgets, and impact. and when it fails, they just slap their fat asses and move on up their corporate chain. Think Translink.

Did you know all the Japanese rail and transport system revscene is so fond of and so well built are all privatized? Even highways, and tunnels.

Another example is the MTR and bus systems in Hong Kong, considered also to be one of the most efficient in the world. Its cheaper and faster (interms of getting from A to B, not speed) then anything in Canada. That too is privatized. As are most Electric, Gas companies in these societies.

A very big maybe right there. The less regulations in what we call a "free market" the more prevalent the boom and bust effect has on the economy. You have listed the positive of privatization, yes things is almost more efficiently run that way, however, the situation in Canada is much different from Japan or Hong Kong. In Canada, we have to protect ourselves from the corporate power houses of the United States, if the Canadian government deregulates certain laws to allow for more privatizations, we would have things built in Canada, imported to the states, and sold back to us at an significantly higher cost. Prime example would be Chrysters 300C, built in Ontario, I believe, and then sold back to us at a higher cost than it does in the states. On a related note on privatization vs regulations, milk companies in the states are allow to inject a growth hormone (rBGH) to their cows in order to produce more milk. Studies after studies have shown that it increase the chances of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, etc. Due to the lack of regulations in diary industry in the states, these hormones are allowed to be used, however, in country such as Canada, and actually the rest of Europe, where the government leans more towards the right side of the political spectrum, these hormones are banned. Milk, of course, is cheaper in the states, but at the cost of potential health hazard? I will pass. Oh, and the eggs, they are probably pretty fuck up too.

http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/general/milk.htm

/off topic

It makes no sense to get rid of HST now since it is has already been implemented. It is also a waste of MONEY, as it is previously mentioned, and time just to, again, sugar coat some bullshit so it is easier to swallow. We all need to pay for whatever is already spent, there is no way out of this, unless you move out of BC. In a scenario such as this, it is ass backward to spend money to save money. At this point I support HST, and I lament how shittily it was sold to us.

[bloodmack]

We need a nuclear fallout to happen so we can stop bitching and start living

[darkfroggy]

We need a nuclear fallout to happen so we can stop bitching and start living

I'd rather pay more for my food than fight for it.

[q0192837465]

I'd rather pay more for my food than fight for it.

That's just you. Warlords like me have food handed to us.

[taylor192]

exactly.
That's what people fail to understand. There are costs that need to be paid, and the only way the gov't can do it is with some major form of consumption tax. These referendums are a complete waste of time and money. Of course people are going to vote down any tax.

Then what?
Wow, about the only time I'll agree with OH.

The government has a choice of taxes: income, corporate, consumption, ... I would prefer consumption taxes raised and like that income taxes will be lower next year.

I would like to see a more European VAT that is variable depending on what you buy. Less VAT on necessities, more VAT on luxuries.

[taylor192]

wasn't the HST revenue netreal??.... why would they need to increase other taxes if removed? are you saying they were lying :eek2:
You're not paying attention. The government gave BC $1.6B to enact the HST, which closes a big hole in our budget. If this is given back, this hole must be closed with more taxes.

[taylor192]

This is a classic example of why you can't have a discussion about taxes (or most other public initiatives for that matter) because most people can't even get the facts straight before they voice an opinion.

The HST has nothing to do with bike lanes in Vancouver. If you want to talk bike lanes, maybe you should vote someone else other than Vision Vancouver in the next civic election? Oh wait, you don't even live in the City of Vancouver...
I'm glad you said it - if I had I probably wouldn't have been as nice and been banned again from AC/OT :D

:thumbsup:

[StylinRed]

Liberals repealing that Tax Discount for $72k earners

just announced on CBCNews

[kayceeee]

Liberals repealing that Tax Discount for $72k earners

just announced on CBCNews


yup here it is

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/130717--bc-government-suspends-15-per-cent-income-tax-reduction

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The proverbial carrot that Premier Gordon Campbell dangled in front of millions of British Columbians has been suddenly yanked away.
Two weeks after Gordon Campbell stepped down as the Premier of British Columbia, the BC Government's Executive Council has decided to suspend the 15 per cent reduction in personal income tax rates for the first $72,000 of personal income that was promised in Campbell's televised address last month.
Quoting the outgoing premier in a statement released today, the Executive Council says, "in order to ensure the Executive Council has maximum flexibility to set government's economic and fiscal agenda, Cabinet has decided to suspend the planned tax reduction."

NDP Leader Carole James says, "To pull back on that tax cut now, it shows that the government is entirely focused on damage control, on their own problems, and sadly it's British Columbians who are hurting because of that."

The Canadian Federation for Independent Business has also reacted saying it's very disappointed to learn that they say politics has trumped good public policy and has created unnecessary uncertainty for businesses.

The tax reduction would have taken effect January 1 of next year, provided it received legislative approval. It would have become the second largest personal income tax relief measure in BC's history.

Campbell says the government will still roll out a throne speech and budget in early February, but won't announce any programs until a new party leader is chosen later that month.

There will also be what the Executive Council calls a "status quo" budget, with no new initiatives beyond what is statutorily required.

[jigga250]

bunch of liars and crooks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg&playnext=1&list=PLF1E943A75CA623C6&index=14

[mikemhg]

Jeez I don't see any chance of the Liberal getting in again for a while. HST, and now a cop out on the proposed Income Tax cut.

[jigga250]

Jeez I don't see any chance of the Liberal getting in again for a while. HST, and now a cop out on the proposed Income Tax cut.

and thats completely ignoring the semi-retarded drinking and driving fiasco

[misteranswer]

Wow, about the only time I'll agree with OH.

The government has a choice of taxes: income, corporate, consumption, ... I would prefer consumption taxes raised and like that income taxes will be lower next year.

I would like to see a more European VAT that is variable depending on what you buy. Less VAT on necessities, more VAT on luxuries.

There is also poll taxes and wealth taxes.

And the HST does vary depending on the product.

[Mr.HappySilp]

Jeez I don't see any chance of the Liberal getting in again for a while. HST, and now a cop out on the proposed Income Tax cut.

NDP and Carole James would be worse lol. Handing out money to the poor and taxing heavily on the riches and the medium class. How many of these riches and medium will stay here then? O and yea as Carole James said she won't cut any programs, she will cut taxes but then where is the money come from? Do they grow on trees?

[taylor192]

Jeez I don't see any chance of the Liberal getting in again for a while. HST, and now a cop out on the proposed Income Tax cut.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in those meetings. I think they know the HST is going to be defeated in a referendum, cause really, who wants to vote to pay more tax? Thus to stay in power they'd have to undo the HST, which would leave a huge hole in the budget - adding income tax cuts only makes the hole wider.

What I'd want to know is why they proposed income tax cuts in the first place.

[originalhypa]

What I'd want to know is why they proposed income tax cuts in the first place.

The only thing I could think of is this.

http://www.antoniothornton.com/images/bp-carrot-stick.jpg

I think we're the donkey.

[mikemhg]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in those meetings. I think they know the HST is going to be defeated in a referendum, cause really, who wants to vote to pay more tax? Thus to stay in power they'd have to undo the HST, which would leave a huge hole in the budget - adding income tax cuts only makes the hole wider.

What I'd want to know is why they proposed income tax cuts in the first place.

I would vote to keep the HST, if the Income tax cut was put through accordingly. Since it's off the table at this point, of course the HST will end up being repealed.

Liberals completely botched this entire thing, the NDP are not better, but I will say they completely screwed themselves out of the next election.