There are many other things that Manitobans would like to do with their time than protest in the front of the Manitoba Legislature. Yet, more than 500 people did just that last Thursday on a chilly spring evening to send a message to Premier Greg Selinger that they already pay enough in taxes and they are opposed to the increase in the provincial sales tax (PST) from 7% to 8%.
Among the speakers at the rally were advocates for the poor and disadvantaged, middle-class taxpayers and business and retailers. All three political party leaders were invited to attend and to address the crowd and only one leader failed to show up to hear the concerns of these Manitobans, NDP leader Greg Selinger.
The overall theme of the speakers and from the comments of those in attendance is that they want a vote on this PST increase as they are entitled to under the current law. Many of the speakers and those in attendance commented how they felt the NDP decision was undemocratic and that they felt the way the decision was being made was as bad as the decision itself.
That theme was echoed by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce on the weekend when they unanimously passed a resolution at their annual general meeting calling on the NDP government to hold a referendum regarding the proposed PST hike. The Chamber joins a growing list of organizations representing taxpayers, retailers and Manitobans struggling to make ends meet who feel that the PST hike and the way it is being done is not fair.
In addition, more than 150 Manitobans have already signed up to make a presentation at the Manitoba Legislature when Bill 20 (the Bill that brings the PST increase into force) comes before a committee during the legislative process. That is one of the largest number of presenters registered for a committee in Manitoba history and is another indication that Manitobans are rejecting the increase in the sales tax.
This is in addition to the thousands of letters and emails that have been sent to the Premier, the Finance Minister and other MLAs asking them to respect the law and hold a referendum on the PST increase. You can still participate in this campaign by visiting www.standupmanitoba.com
As the official opposition, the Manitoba PC Caucus is committed to using the tools that we have to ensure that Bill 20 does not pass quickly or easily and to give the NDP government every opportunity to change its mind on the tax increase and to give Manitobans every opportunity to get involved in the effort.
