Don't Ask; He Won't Tell.

Tim Hudak flip flops on supporting the HST, but won't say he'd repeal it

QUEEN'S PARK, June 4 /CNW/ - If you're having trouble keeping track of what Tim Hudak thinks about the harmonized sales tax, you're not alone.  The Conservatives enthusiastically supported the HST, then flip-flopped, and now refuse to commit to repealing it.

March 2009: Hudak admits the old system of hidden taxes punishes exporters and that an HST will help the economy…

• "In the manufacturing sector, the problem with the PST is it cascades, so every step along the way there's tax on tax on tax, which raises the cost of goods and particularly punishes exporters.  So we understand how that [tax harmonization] can help the economy." Tim Hudak March 24, 2009.

September 2009: Hudak revises history, but Flaherty tells the truth…

• "Under Mike Harris we said no to this kind of sales tax grab." Tim Hudak, September 16, 2009
• "In fact when I was in the government of Ontario back in 1995 with Premier Harris we advocated harmonization of the PST and GST…." Jim Flaherty, August 30, 2009.

October 2009:  Hudak's rhetoric exposed as hollow when he won't commit to repealing…

• "Tim Hudak wouldn't give a direct answer when asked if he would repeal the tax if elected Premier." (CHEX TV - Newswatch @ 6 - October 1, 2009)

May 2010: Hudak STILL won't give direct answer…

• "He attacked the 13 per cent harmonized sales tax that takes effect July 1, but pointedly refused to promise to repeal it." Toronto Star, May 18, 2010.

June 2010: Hudak changes tune, says the HST was fine, all along…

• "It [HST] was fine on the existing sales tax base" Tim Hudak. June 1, 2010.

Tim Hudak knows the HST is the single most important thing we can do to strengthen our economy, preserve our vital services, and help Ontario families succeed.  And that's exactly why he won't commit to repealing it.

For further information:

Andrew Teliszewsky
[email protected]
416-325-3670