PRESS RELEASE: FEDS TRYING TO BRIBE BC ON HST SAYS FORMER PREMIER VANDER ZALM

Nov 16, 2009 Press Release
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FORMER BC PREMIER VANDER ZALM SAYS FEDS TRYING TO BRIBE BC ON HST

Calls on Prime Minister to allow free vote on new tax.

Delta, BC – Former Premier of BC, Bill Vander Zalm, is taking the federal government to task for trying to bribe British Columbian’s to accept the HST.

“It is unbelievable that both the federal Conservatives and their Liberal counterparts are supporting this massive tax grab of BC dollars. We are in a recession, and like a vulture waiting to pounce, they swoop down and try to bribe us using our own money. Every dime they are giving us up front will be taken back with this new tax, and then some,” fumed the former premier.

Vander Zalm is calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to hold a free vote on the HST.

“The Prime Minister is trying to dodge the HST bullet by saying it is up to the provinces to decide whether they want it or not. If that’s true, then we say let your own MP’s have a free vote. Then the citizens of British Columbian can tell their representatives whether they want the HST, instead of Gordon Campbell and Stephen Harper deciding for everyone.”

In order for the HST to come into effect, it must pass a vote in both Ottawa and Victoria. Members of Parliament from all political stripes have publicly indicated their dislike for the Harmonized Sales Tax.

Vander Zalm, who is leading the fight in BC against the HST with his grass roots organization, Fight HST, is calling on supporters to pressure their local MP to vote against federal implementation of the HST.

“Many BC MPs have spoken against this unfair tax and the manner in which it has been implemented.  I call on the Prime Minister to allow his caucus to vote their conscience and represent their constituent’s wishes regarding the HST,” stated Vander Zalm.

Vander Zalm says his group has grown to over 1,200 volunteers who have registered to canvass for signatures to defeat the hated sales tax in BC using the Citizen Initiative legislation. Vander Zalm’s petition drive will be launched in the New Year, with signature collection taking place in March, April and May of 2010.

Vander Zalm is advising concerned citizens to write or phone their Member of Parliament to express their opposition to what he refers to as a “cruel tax”.  A template letter, as well as a list of every MP in BC is available at his web site, and includes addresses and telephone numbers.

“If every British Columbian that says they are against the HST wrote a letter to their MP, it would have an enormous impact on the outcome of the vote in Ottawa.”

“The federal government must go to the polls first on this issue. If they are seen to be ramming the HST down the throats of the people of BC, they will have to account for that at election time,” Vander Zalm concluded.

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