tax harmonization

Scott Brison points to the Harper government.

With the change now rejected by voters, the Harper government expects British Columbia to return the $1.6-billion in transition funding. The NDP thinks that would be unfair.

Frances Woolley considers the merits of stealth taxation.

Stephen Gordon considers British Columbia’s rejection of the HST.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has now tabled the second version of the 2011 budget—the prepared text of Mr. Flaherty’s speech to the House is here.

The Conservatives might be ready to cut a deal with Quebec, which might be enough to pass the 2011 budget with the support of the Bloc Quebecois, with whose support the government was able to pass the last implementation bill of the 2010 budget.

If the government won’t answer your requests in Question Period, leave.

Jack Layton, in QP yesterday, wondering if Stephen Harper agrees with his previous self.

Days after a report that he’s been told to zip it, the Finance Minister dares express his personal opinion on sales tax harmonization.

Jim Flaherty, March 30. Last week, Ontario’s Liberal government, after objecting to the combined tax for years, decided to switch. Ottawa agreed to help Canada’s most populous province with that move by giving Ontario one-time compensation of $4.3 billion. ”I think this is very good economic policy,” Flaherty told reporters in Ottawa Monday. “This is a massive tax cut, a $5 billion tax cut for businesses in the province of Ontario and that means job creation and investment in the province of Ontario. So, this is very good economic policy over time.”

Jim Flaherty, April 10, 2008. We’ve done our stimulus at the federal level but we really needed the province to do its part, and of course we’re also calling on the remaining provinces that have not harmonized their PST with the GST to work with us to accomplish that goal of harmonization. That would be a great tax burden relief for businesses in Ontario that’s certainly needed.