Everyone knows that people on fixed income will be hard hit by the HST.
Today in the House Michael tried to draw attention to another group, sports groups, that will face serious challenges because of this new tax.
NOTE
The minister replied that the HST was exempt from the registration fees, but did not address the issue of paying the HST on the ice time.
2010 Legislative Session: Second Session, 39th Parliament
HANSARD
The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.
Official Report of
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(Hansard)
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Afternoon Sitting
Volume 13, Number 5
Oral Questions
IMPACT OF HARMONIZED SALES TAX
ON SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS
M. Sather: Lori Josephison is vice-president of the Meadow Ridge Female Hockey Association. She is concerned — and her organization is — that they won’t survive because of decisions made by this government. First of all, they knocked their gaming grant from $28,000 down to $6,000, and now, unless this government sees the light, they’re soon going to be paying the HST on their ice time. That’s two-thirds of their costs.
She said: “It’s frustrating. We’re all volunteering, trying to provide these kids with an opportunity to play hockey and be active, but it seems like we’re getting no help.”
To the Minister of Finance: will he give a helping hand to sports organizations in my community and across this province by cancelling the HST?
Hon. C. Hansen: I’m not sure whether I heard yet another policy pronouncement there from the NDP back bench. I think that might be now five different positions we’re up to in terms of their position on the HST.
Let me, just for the benefit of the House, inform the members opposite that in fact registration fees for programs for children 14 years of age and under at public recreation centres and in not-for-profit sports organizations are currently exempt from the GST, and they will be exempt from the HST.
