Hudak hammers HSTSaturday morning hockey practice and a double-double at Timmy's. Hank Daniszewski |
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 [ 2009-10-16 ] |
Jim Allen, executive director of London Sports Council and Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand-Norfolk, join Ontario PC Party leader Tim Hudak at the Western Fair Sports Centre yesterday to protest the Harmonized Sales Tax, which Hudak dubbed the "(Premier) Dalton (McGuinty) sales tax." The trio fear the added tax burden will make sports activities unafforda ble for many families not able to afford the extra cost.
When the HST comes into effect July 1, it will combine the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST) with the 8% Ontario sales tax, for a new 13% tax.
Many goods and services previously exempted from provincial tax will be hit with the HST, including rentals for ice rinks, baseball diamonds and soccer fields.
Hudak said the tax will add an average $40to $50 to the cost of minor hockey registration.
"Sadly, for many families this tax may make the difference between their kid getting on the ice or sitting at home."
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who accompanied Hudak, said a minor hockey league with 600 players would face an $8,000 increase in ice rental fees because of the tax and those costs would have to be passed on to parents.
He said the travel costs for parents would also be affected, including gasoline and meals under $4, making that stop for a coffee and doughnut more expensive.
Jim Allen, executive director of the London Sports Council, said minor league associations will have to pass on the costs of the increased tax and that could be a hardship for the growing number of unemployed workers in London.
"The more you add to the cost of kids being involved in sports, the fewer kids will be able to participate," Allen said.
The HST has garnered support from the London Chamber of Commerce, manufacturing groups and some economists, who argue a streamlined tax system will benefit businesses and spur economic recovery.
But Hudak said the tax will burden ordinary families in tough economic times and he urged taxpayers to sign an online petition www.daltonsalestax.com
Hudak's stop at the Western Fair Sports Centre was part of his party's campaign to derail the HST.
Hank Daniszewski is a Free Press business reporter. hank.daniszewski@sunmedia.ca
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