Harmonized Sales Tax
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has planned the implementation of a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) within the Province to be effective on July 1, 2010;
AND WHEREAS the implementation of such a tax system will effectively increase the taxes on goods and services previously exempt from the Provincial Sales Tax by 8%.
AND WHEREAS this additional sales tax will increase the cost of heating fuel, natural gas, hydro and gasoline and other essentials required for living in Northwestern Ontario;
AND WHEREAS the impact of these increased costs combined with the anticipated price increases of the said essential services may create a substantial hardship on seniors and others with fixed incomes;
AND WHEREAS due to the sparse populations and lack of an urban area, residents of Northwestern Ontario are already required to travel in excess of 500 km to received specialized health care services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association hereby petitions the Province of Ontario to reconsider the implementation of the HST or alternatively provide additional compensation for the residents of Northwestern Ontario who will be burdened with increased costs compared to our neighbours in Southern Ontario.
Adopted April 2010
