P.E.I. Opposition demands government decision on raising HST

The Opposition on P.E.I. is once again calling on the MacLauchlan government to say whether or not it plans to raise the HST.

New Brunswick announced yesterday in its budgetthat it will raise the HST to 15 per cent. And just last week, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil called on the Atlantic provinces to come together on a common HST of 15 per cent.

"All Islanders should be concerned, and we as caucus would like the premier to come clean and let us know whether he's planning on raising the HST," said PC MLA and Opposition finance critic Darlene Compton.

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Every Islander is worried about rising taxes, said Compton, pointing out a hike in the HST would increase the cost of "everything from power to a funeral."

"You know one per cent might not sound like a lot to Premier MacLauchlan, but for most Islanders who are just trying to struggle from day to day and pay their bills, it is a lot," Compton told CBC News.

In a recent interview,P.E.I. Finance Minister Allen Roach said no decisions have been made on raising the HST atthis point.

Government officials say the budget consultation process is underway and to comment now would be premature.

That's not good enough for Compton.

"I think Islanders are very nervous about the fact that taxes are going to increase, and I think they deserve an answer as quickly as possible," said Compton. "And I'm sure Premier MacLauchlan does have a plan."

Increasing the HST is not going to drive the economy or increase jobs, Compton added.