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HST

20 Questions with Bill Vander Zalm About HST

Why are you opposed to the HST?

One of the loudest voices against the HST has been that of former Social Credit Premier, Bill Vander Zalm. Vander Zalm has in part organized a province wide campaign against the HST. His support has come from varying groups across the political spectrum.

“Individually or even as individual little groups we don’t stand much of a chance in fighting the government on this. United; all these political parties, all these people coming together as a unified force — at some point the government is going to have to pay attention,” said Vander Zalm.

The campaign has a strategic plan, to utilize all their legislative rights to challenge the government on the tax decision. In this video series, Bill Vander Zalm discusses the politics behind the HST, the effects it will have on the province and his plan to stop the HST.

(Use the drop-down menu below to view each question)

Rally Against the HST

When the BC Liberal government announced plans for a harmonized sales tax of 12% shortly after the provincial election, reaction within the province was loud and quick to mount. Campaigns against the HST sprung up all across British Columbia, with the main campaign being run by former premier, Bill Vander zalm. On September 19th, a day of action against the HST across British Columbia saw rallies carried out in 19 cities around the province. Rallies were well attended bringing together political movements, labour, concerned citizens; all people directly affected by the change in taxation.
In Victoria, up to 300 people gathered behind the Legislature listening to varying views unified by one central point; the HST must be stopped. The new harmonized sales tax would have a direct effect on people every time they went to make a purchase, whether as an individual or a business. The tax has been heavily criticized as a quick, quiet policy that would give benefit to large corporations; especially resource based ones, while hitting citizens and small business owners the hardest.

Relted Media Links

Farmers give politicians an earful about HST
Toronto Star – September 22, 2009

Thousands attend HST rallies in BC
Globe and Mail – September 19, 2009

BC businesses voice HST support
CBC.ca – August 24, 2009

BC restaurants warn of job losses over HST
CBC.ca – August 5, 2009

Forestry, mining industries embrace HST
Vancouver Sun – August 14, 2009

New HST taxes meals, new homes and haircuts
CBC.ca – July 24, 2009

Denise Savoie on the HST

Member of Parliament for Victoria, Denise Savoie, like many other elected representatives has been speaking out against the Harmonized Sales Tax. Not only was the public not consulted, but neither were the other members of government outside the ruling parties. Savoie’s party, the New Democratic Party, has been one of the most vocal elected parties across Canada on this issue. Unlike the Liberal Party of Canada’s ever changing position, the NDP position is clear. They are voting no to the HST.
The movement against the HST is not just found on the center-left of the political spectrum, but uniquely spans from left to right, nationalist to separatist, social to economical and many in-between. It is rare in politics, that one issue illicit support from citizens from every walk of life. The HST has drawn criticism from all ages, demographics and geographic areas across the province. The campaign against the HST is not only the opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns against the Government’s initiative, but provides many groups a rare opportunity to work together and collectively address provincial issues.

HST