HST hike coming

Tax increase will make it even tougher on Islanders struggling with other rising costs, says Compton

This week’s increase to the HST by the MacLauchlan government will hit hardest on Islanders least able to afford higher taxes, says Opposition Finance Critic Darlene Compton.

“This week’s HST increase will make it harder for a lot of families and working Islanders,” said the Belfast-Murray River MLA. “We know Islanders have the lowest average weekly wage earnings in Canada and that the basic personal tax exemption is also the lowest in Canada. The HST increase will leave even less money in Islanders pockets as the cost of gas, electricity and other essentials goes up again.”

The MacLauchlan government announced the increase of the HST to 15 per cent in the spring provincial budget.

The HST increase will take tens of millions Max Hold Hairspray 482g ........................... 6.99 Dry Shampoo 2 Types 140g ......................... 5.49 Daily Treatment Power Up 500ml ................ 6.99 Expert Collection Shampoo 2 Types 300ml 6.99 Gel Strong Hold 193g .................................. 6.99 Mousse Ex. Strong Hold 187g ..................... 6.99 of dollars out of the sluggish Island economy and into government coffers annually on a wide range of goods and services such as minor sports registrations, high-speed internet bills and funerals. Government estimates placed the added cost to Island households at hundreds of dollars annually along with an estimated increase to the cost of living of at least one half per cent.

“For Islanders struggling already with the rising cost of living every month adding hundreds of dollars in extra costs will be tough,” said Compton. “As the cost for gas, lights and other essentials goes up from the HST increase, it will make it even harder for families and seniors to get by. That’s what the MacLauchlan government doesn’t get as it picks the pockets of Islanders again.”