Nanaimo residents rally against HST
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Updated: September 21, 2009 12:24 PM
More than 200 Nanaimo residents unhappy with the proposed harmonized sales tax gathered Saturday at Maffeo Sutton Park to express concerns and learn more about the controversial tax.
The rally was part of former B.C. premier Bill Vander Zalm’s provincewide ‘people’s initiative against the HST’ non-partisan effort to educate the public about the HST.
Nanaimo organizer Janet Irvine said considering the rally was organized through the Internet in just a few days, the turnout was acceptable.
“This was just the kickoff rally,” said Irvine. “There is much more planned to let people know how they will be affected by this tax. Two hundred is a good start.”
Local dignitaries and citizens spoke at the rally, though Irvine said some who were invited declined or cancelled because their agency or group is involved in talks with the government about how the HST will affect them.
“Groups like retailers or restaurants are waiting to see what’s in it for them,” she said.
Irvine added that the group she is most concerned about is low-income families that could be hit with additional taxes on goods and services that weren’t previously taxed.
The HST is scheduled to start July 1, 2010.
Rallies against the tax took place in 12 B.C. municipalities over the weekend. In Vancouver, Vander Zalm addressed roughly 4,000 people, while about 300 showed up for the rally at the provincial legislature in Victoria.
The province is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the federal government Sept. 30 to officially introduce the HST.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com
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