I don’t know how many more times I can say it, but going back to the PST-GST would be a big blow to B.C.’s post secondary students.
The HST referendum is just around the corner and we are being asked whether we want to pay less or more tax. Keep the 10 per cent HST or bring back the 12 per cent PST-GST.
Seems like a pretty easy decision when considering the implications to our post secondary education system.
We will have to repay $1.6 billion back to the federal government. Coming up with this money means making significant cuts to social programs like education.
Paying back the debt means creating a deficit and in the end, students will end up suffering.
For example, BC’s U-Pass funding will undoubtedly take a hit at a time when our education and transportation systems desperately need more, not less resources.
Returning to the PST-GST will damage our economy and eliminate jobs in the process – employment opportunities that would be taken away from our universities and colleges.
The new, lower 10 per cent HST also means more money in the bank accounts of every B.C. household and the increased ability for British Columbians to afford quality of education they deserve. Families are what matter in B.C. and going back to the old, higher 12 per cent PST-GST puts our economy, our jobs and our children at risk.
Reinstate the 12 per cent PST-GST regime and we will all pay more and get less.
That’s why I’m voting NO to keep the HST.
Bijan Ahmadian
Vancouver