nothing is certain but death and...

HST tax today!! Canadians definitely isn't enjoying Canada Day today. In Canada, Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) combines the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) into a single sales tax. This changes the PST from a cascading tax system, which has been abandoned by most world economies to a VAT like the GST. Saying that, similar to the GST and PST, the HST is a regressive tax. This new system have angered Canadians especially the British Columbia and Ontario province although there is evidence that the harmonisation raises business investment and that PST-type taxes slow down provincial growth. Ipsos Reid poll showing vast majority of British Columbians (82%) and Ontarians (74%) oppose the plans. This is backed by Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress found costs will decrease for small business as they recover sales taxes they have to pay on goods and services they purchase and will lower their administrative costs. Even the former B.C. Premier Bill Vander Zalm has launched a petition against the HST because it was never passed into law by the British Columbia's provincial legislature. Whatever happens next is anyone's guess. Regardless, for sure the tax implemented will stay.