Dalton's Hated Sales Tax: Trick the Taxpayer, Treat the Government

TORONTO , Oct. 28 /CNW/ - As Halloween approaches, it is fitting that a billboard in Toronto's Entertainment District is warning taxpayers not to be tricked again by Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"McGuinty promised not to raise taxes when first elected, then he brought in a health tax. Now he's promising that the HST will not inflict any consumer pain. He's trying to trick Ontarians so his government can pick their pockets some more," says Peter Coleman , President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition (NCC).

The billboard is now up on the southwest corner of John and Adelaide Streets . Paid for by the NCC, it is intended to raise public awareness of the Liberal government's decision to harmonize the provincial sales tax with the federal GST effective July 1, 2010 .

The HST will increase taxes from 5% to 13% (a 160% jump) on a long list of items. The typical consumer will be paying hundreds of dollars in additional taxes each year. The McGuinty government will rake in billions in new revenue.

"People are already hurting from the recession," noted Coleman. "They're struggling to make ends meet, and many have lost their jobs. Why would this government want to kick them when they're down? If there was ever a time not to raise taxes, surely this is it."

The billboard invites people to go to www.nationalcitizens.ca where, with the aid of an online calculator, they can find out how much Dalton's Hated Sales Tax will cost them.

"People aren't going to like it," warns Coleman. "Dalton's plans to fill the government's goody bag will, for many, mean they'll be paying another $700 , $800 , or $1,000 and more of their hard-earned money to Queen's Park every year."

"Here's a government that has increased spending by $45 billion , driven the deficit to $24.7 billion this year, and wasted taxpayers' money on a number of projects through sheer mismanagement," Coleman adds.

"No wonder the McGuinty Liberals are desperate for our cash. We have to stop this tax grab and demand that the government get its own house in order."

The list of items that will be taxed at the higher HST rate include:

    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -  Gasoline                                  -  Most admissions to live
    -  Utilities (heating/hydro/                     theatres
        natural gas)                             -  Taxi fares
    -  Internet bills                            -  Conferences and seminars
    -  Prepared foods under $4                   -  Dry cleaning
       (e.g., coffee and doughnut)               -  Carpet cleaning
    -  Newspapers and magazines                  -  Labour costs related to
    -  Adult footwear under $30                     home renovation
    -  Admissions under $4                       -  Motor vehicle services
       (e.g., swimming pool, skating rink)           (towing, car washing)
    -  Veterinary care                           -  Ice rink rental
    -  Personal services                         -  Hotels
       (e.g., hair stylist, massage)             -  Overnight summer camps
    -  Professional services                     -  Domestic air travel
       (e.g., legal, accountant,                 -  Domestic rail travel
        mutual fund fees)                        -  Bus tickets
    -  Membership fees (e.g., gym)               -  Christmas trees
    -  New homes over $400,000                   -  Electrical and plumbing
    -  Real estate commissions                       services
    -  Commercial property rentals               -  Snowplowing
    -  Condominium Fees                          -  Bicycles
    -  Landscaping                               -  Funeral costs
    -  Vitamins                                  -  Postal stamps and
                                                     courier fees
                                                 -  Green fees
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

The National Citizens Coalition is Canada's largest organization that stands for the defence and promotion of free enterprise, free speech and a government that is accountable to the taxpayer. Founded in 1967, the NCC continues to fight for more freedom through less government. For more information about the NCC visit us online at www.nationalcitizens.ca

A high resolution image of the billboard artwork is available on request, or it can be downloaded from the NCC website.

For further information: For interviews or further information, contact: Peter Coleman, President and CEO, National Citizens Coalition, office: [phone], cell: [phone]