HST should be removed from electricity says Green Party leader

Prince Edward Island's Green Party leader saysit's time the HST is removed from electricity bills in an effort to promote cleaner energy in the province.

In the legislature on Thursday, Peter Bevan-Baker said while the province is renegotiating the terms of the HST with the federal government, it's achance to review what is taxed and what isn't, including different kinds of home energy.

"Right now, this government puts the HST on our electricity, but does not put it on oil. Essentially, and in so doing, promoting the use of oil over electricity and other clean energies," he said.

Bevan-Baker asked the government to create a fairer tax regime by removing HST from electricity.

"[It's] an essential service, and putting clean energy sources on an even footing with fossil fuels," he said.

Last month, theP.E.I. Real Estate Association calledon the province to exempt all forms of home heating from the HST, not just oil.

The association saidover the past decade home builders have been switching to more efficient and environmentally-friendly heat sources such asheat pumps and electric boilers.

But, it saidthe people who buy those homes are being punished by a government policy that charges five per cent HST on heating oil, and fourteen percent on everything else.

Finance Minister Allen Roach said the province is going through an energy strategy now, and those ideas will be taken into consideration.

Bevan-Baker also asked for more public consultations on feedback about the HST.

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