REALITY CHECK: Time For B.C. Liberal MLAs To Fish Or Cut Bait On The HST

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As B.C. Liberal MLAs head into what is sure to be a heated caucus meeting this morning, how many of them will stand up for their constituents who are concerned about the HST?

  • Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett has suggested consumers will see prices rise, saying “That is a concern… I have some concerns.” (Williams Lake Tribune, Aug. 13, 2009)
  • Tourism Minister Kevin Krueger has admitted that many businesses will be hurt by the HST, saying the “HST is going to be good for all concerned, but there are exceptions.” (Times Colonist, Aug. 9, 2009)
  • Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy refused to speak up for scouting groups who will be hit by the HST, saying “I don't have a comment directly. I'm supportive of all the non-profit groups. But I'm still reviewing the HST. And I can't speak on behalf of government – you can appreciate (that).” (Public Eye, Aug. 12, 2009)
  • Former B.C. Liberal deputy premier Christy Clark says she doesn’t “think it’s possible” that the minister and the premier only considered implementing the HST after the election, saying “it was quite clear that British Columbia was going to be faced with this decision in March when Ontario adopted it, and they never thought to mention it to the voting public. I mean, it’s just sneaky all around.” (CBC radio, Aug. 14, 2009)
  • Former B.C. Liberal MLA John Nuraney said there were ongoing talks about HST while he was a member of the B.C. Liberal caucus, and also said the new tax will be a “significant” blow to his restaurant business. (straight.com, Aug. 13, 2009)
  • 2009 B.C. Liberal candidate for Vancouver-Kensington Syrus Lee told radio listeners he opposes the HST asking, “why would the government do it?” (Fairchild, Aug. 11, 2009)
  • B.C. Liberal Vancouver-Fraserview constituency association president David Choi said the government had “no mandate to implement the HST without public consultation.” (Fairchild, Aug. 15, 2009)

While over a hundred thousand people have signed petitions or joined Facebook groups opposing the HST, it appears Liberal MLAs are largely absent on the pro-HST Facebook group. It's time for B.C. Liberals MLAs either stand up for their constituents who are upset about the government's betrayal or be honest with British Columbians about sticking with a premier who broke his word on the HST.

Carole James and the New Democrats have launched a petition to stop the HST, which is at www.StopTheHST.ca

Under the Liberal government, B.C. has had the worst rate of full-time job losses, the second-worst performing economy, and the highest level of child poverty in the country.