Black Brings Together Panel to Discuss HST

March 11, 2010, New Westminster –  New Westminster MLA Dawn Black has assembled a panel representing various aspects of the community to comment on the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax at a community forum on Tuesday, March 16th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the CAW Hall, 326 12th Street, New Westminster. 

“This community forum is a great opportunity for New Westminster individuals and families to find out how the HST will impact them and what action can still be taken to try to stop it”, said Black.  “The B.C. Liberals don’t have a mandate to bring in the HST, and so New Democrats will continue to work with people around the province from all walks of life to stop this tax,” she added.

Panel members include Jasbir Sandhu, a restaurant owner, who will discuss the negative impact the tax will have on restaurant and prepared food sales as well as the expected loss of jobs.  He agrees with Mark von Schellwitz, western vice-president of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, who commented recently, "As one casual diner said to us, it's tough enough now. But with the HST, when you sit down at a full service restaurant, you know you're going to be paying 30 per cent more with HST and tip before you have anything to eat".

Sylvia MacLeay, President of the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of BC (COSCO), is participating in the forum panel because “in addition to all of the increases in user fees, gasoline taxes, delisting of certain medications and services, the HST promises to add an average of $900 a year to individual’s expenditures – an amount that is impossible for seniors on a fixed income to raise”.

Official Opposition Finance Critic Bruce Ralston is well versed on the HST and will answer questions from the audience.  He noted “during the election campaign, the Liberals said they were opposed to the HST.  Families and small businesses across the province are going to be hit hard by this new tax, and that’s not going to be changed by a few rebates,” said Ralston.

The 4th panellist is economist Phillip Legg who will give an overview of the HST’s impact on the BC economy.

In addition to these panellists, other residents with specific concerns about the HST have indicated they will be attending to pass on their information.

“B.C. Liberal MLAs should stand up and help stop the HST,” said Black. B.C. families are already struggling, and don’t need a $1.9 billion tax shift onto their backs.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the community forum.