HST : The painful truth
Today I was asked what I thought of the PC’s announcement that IF they are re-elected, they will reduce the Provincial portion of the HST by two percentage points. Of course, I, like everyone else, must agree that any tax reduction is a good idea. However, I have to say that my innate cynicism bubbled to the surface immediately upon hearing that announcement.
My first thought was, “too little, too late”. If they can afford to make that cut AFTER they are re-elected, why are they waiting to bribe people for their votes when the average New Brunswicker needs relief from the high cost of everything NOW??? If they figure they can afford to reduce the tax in a few months, WHY HAVE THEY NOT ALREADY DONE SO?? But no…… better to keep us feeling the financial strain so that they can pretend to be financial saviours……… IF they are re-elected.
Furthermore, simple math will show that this particular tax cut will be of greatest benefit to high income earners, and will not make very much difference to average and low-income earners. As the cost of everything goes up, taxes fill the government coffers more rapidly. There are many other areas where tax policies should be addressed and modified to provide real and immediate relief from the rising cost of living across the board for the middle-income and low-income earners who need that relief the most.
New Brunswickers are over-taxed and receive inadequate services relative to their tax burden. If I am elected, taxation is certainly an area upon which I will focus my attention.
Written by: Alex Tessman