Do The Right Thing, Mr. Ignatieff - Kill the HST

TORONTO , Nov. 27 /CNW/ - The National Citizens Coalition (NCC) is calling on federal Liberals to defeat the framework legislation on HST next week so that the 'Hated Sales Tax' dies a quick death and cannot be implemented in Ontario or British Columbia.

"Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff has a choice. He can play cozy with Dalton McGuinty and Gordon Campbell , or he can do the right thing for the people," says NCC President and CEO Peter Coleman .

The NCC estimates that the HST will cost the average taxpayer an additional $800 to $1,000 or more annually - an amount payable year after year into the foreseeable future.

"The HST is highly unpopular with consumers in both provinces. It's a political hot potato for both parties and will cost them seats. The federal Conservatives and Liberals both know that if this tax goes through, they will pay the price in the next election," warns Coleman.

"If I was Mr. Ignatieff , I wouldn't be hitching my wagon to Dalton and Gordon." The two provincial premiers have been trying to sell the HST on the basis that it will create jobs, that it's going to be good for the economy. "But no one is buying it. The HST is a tax grab."

If the tax goes through, hundreds of products and services, previously exempt from the provincial sales tax, would be taxed at an additional 8 per cent in Ontario and 7 per cent in British Columbia on top of the 5-per-cent GST. The two provincial governments would rake in billions of dollars a year.

There is a calculator on the NCC website - www.nationalcitizens.ca - that helps people estimate how much the Hated Sales Tax will cost them personally.

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 further information: Sara Cauchon, PR POST, [phone]; Peter Coleman, President and CEO, National Citizens Coalition, office: [phone], cell: [phone]