December 7, 2009

New Democrats Fight Back as Conservatives Ram Through HST

(Kamloops) While provincial and federal New Democrats are fighting hard against the HST in Ottawa, local federal NDP candidate Michael Crawford is urging MP Cathy McLeod to side with the people of Kamloops Thompson Cariboo and take a stand against the new tax.

“It’s not too late for Cathy McLeod to stand up for the people of Kamloops Thompson Cariboo” Crawford said. “She needs to choose between voting on behalf of her constituents or toeing the line for Stephen Harper."

“The New Democrats are the only party in Ottawa who are opposing the HST, and this week we’re pulling all the stops in an effort to stop this tax" said Crawford "I hope MPs from other parties, including Cathy McLeod, will think twice before adding hundred of dollars to your tax bill, and putting thousands of B.C. jobs at risk.”

This week the Conservative government is fast-tracking the legislation to impose the HST. The NDP is fighting back both in the Legislature and on the ground.

A radio ad blitz – including stations in Kamloops Thompson Cariboo– is urging Conservative and Liberal MPs to reconsider their support for the tax. BC NDP leader Carole James and Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath have joined Jack Layton in Ottawa this week to help fight the tax.

“The NDP won’t let the Conservatives ram through this tax without a fight,” says Crawford.

He said the tax will add hundreds of dollars in taxes to average families, and it will hurt small business – especially tourism.

The NDP has set up an on-line calculator that helps people add up the cost of the new tax: www.ndp.ca

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