AS THE referendum on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) nears, a local group is out to clarify what voting yes or no means for people.
Stacey Tyers, who’s in charge of the Fight HST campaign in Terrace, has started handing out signs to those who want to show their support for the Yes vote, which would extinguish the HST and bring back the provincial sales tax and the goods and services tax.
“I’m just making sure word gets out,” said Tyers.
She said she’ll be lacing up her walking shoes to approach people with signs.
“The position of Fight HST is it’s a tax shift from corporations to families and we can’t afford it,” said Tyers.
For example, she said her niece is a server and has noticed a significant decrease in tips because customers have noticed their restaurant bills are higher and leave lower tips. A friend from another community owns a transportation company and cafe, and both businesses have been negatively affected by the HST, said Tyers.
“It’s really great for big corporations but not small businesses and individual people,” she said. School supplies and clothing are also affected by the HST, said Tyers.
HST ballots were due to be sent out in the mail starting this week but may be disrupted by the postal strike. Voters who don’t receive a package in the mail can call Elections BC toll free at 1-800-661-8683 to register or update their address.