CBC.ca is reporting that the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that was implemented in both B.C. and Ontario on July 1st is not getting a great reception out on the west coast. There has obviously been a huge backlash by citizens who are against the tax. This battle took another turn today as the politics shifted to law as the case is being brought before the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
This case enters the courtroom after a petition was circled around the province (which collected at least 700 000 signatures) which even saw former B.C. premier, Bill Vander Zalm, get involved to defend the petition in court. The petition group is also backed by many prominent industries and businesses from within the province. Industires include, the staple, mining and forestry industries.
If the petition is seen as valid then in all likelihood a bill could be sent to the provincial legislature or become a provincial referendum. However, the group plans to stick it out until the court gives its ruling and also does not plan to appeal the decision. It is also being reported that lawyers representing the provincial government will be joined by lawyers from the federal government as the PMO will be keeping an eye on this trial.
One has to think this verdict could have an impact nationally as well. Many other provinces have had the HST for a while and are adjusted to it, but Ontario is just as new to the idea as the citizens in B.C. and their is unrest there over the issue as well. If the decision by the B.C. Supreme Court comes back in favour of the petition, will it only be a matter of time before a petition in Ontario starts circulating? How about any of the other provinces who have been stuck with this tax for a while now? Like many things time will tell but this case has all the elements to be a problem not only at the provincial level but at the federal level too.
For more information check out this article from the National Post: The Next Battle in B.C.'s War on the HST
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