Are advertisers and main stream media manipulating your opinion of the HST in British Columbia?

Media like this manipulates the public.

Retailers across the province have launched advertising campaigns designed to suck people into buying now, “beat the HST!”. There is widespread negative attention on harmonization, and it is generating a mass following. Everyone wants YOU to sign an anti-HST petition. My first thought on this is why so much bad press? My second thought, is where is the official information, the good angle, the positive news? Why are we not seeing any official literature regarding the economic benefits of the HST?

It is my observation that most people I’ve talked with don’t have an accurate understanding of what the HST really is. It seems an impression is being encouraged that suggests the PST is here to stay and the HST will compound on that. People seem all to willing to sign petitions without researching for themselves just what they are signing.

Yesterday I heard an ad that declared funeral expenses will be $700 more when the HST comes in. Oh no! By researching the HST myself, I know that on ‘general’, ‘regular’ expenses I’m already going to save at least $700 in the coming year.

The HST will significantly benefit every low income family in BC, but many of these people are jumping on the opposition band wagon. Do they know why?

Here’s the official scoop… On July 1st the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) will be eliminated. A 7% B.C. rate will be added to the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) forming a combined HST of 12%, the lowest in Canada. The HST approach is far simpler, more transparent and fair than the PST system. And for the majority of goods you use, you won’t pay a penny more tax because of the HST.

The basics:

* The government of British Columbia will implement a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on July 1, 2010.
* BC’s 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and 8% Hotel Room Tax (HRT) will be eliminated.
* A 7% BC rate will be added to the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). This combined 12% tax will be called the HST.
* After July 1, 2010, there will be no PST, HRT or GST in BC — only the HST.

Research it for yourself here: HST Basics

There is much more that can be said. I for one am FOR harmonization, and will not sign a petition. Here’s my encouragement… don’t just sign petitions because someone told you to, or everyone else (especially the media) is telling you to, think for yourself, research, and make an educated decision!