Ramblings on Returning to the PST- How are we going to “fix” our competitiveness?

Yes, I know you want to hear about HST again. Could we stop already?  However, it is important to note the effects of transitioning back to PST.  Without having transition rules at the very least it has left some industries, like home builders, in a financially difficult situation.

You hear that many people may be putting off purchase until the HST is gone, but in reality for the average consumer a very small portion of their purchases would be affected.

In contrast I would like to see the numbers for business spending. Spending money on capital investments now before the beloved HST is gone. If I had a major purchase to make as a corporation you bet I would be buying now!

Come to think of it, it would actually be beneficial to use short term debt in order to make your purchase.  With low interest rates, a corporation can still benefit from the HST difference. Not to mention that the interest portion can also be a tax deduction.

But seriously now, how are “we” British Columbians going to remain competitive on a global market? Value added tax is used around the world. How could we have made such a mistake in getting rid of a progressive tax system?  Will changes to the PST make us more competitive? Will we get input tax credits?  We cannot afford loosing major industries, like the movie industry.

Why oh why did we have the public vote on a tax policy! That’s like having the public vote on income tax, of course they are going to say no.  Furthermore why was 50 percent plus one agreed to, that’s not how referendums are supposed to work.

On another note, if 50 percent plus one worked for HST maybe we should use it for an electoral reform referendum, proportionate representation. Meh, that’s a whole other can of worms.

PS Not looking forward to paying more for alcohol and hotels……hopefully Kevin Falcon will fix all that.

BCTF’s Downward Spiral

This week BCTF announced that they would be holding a press conference to announce their new “pared-down package.”  I of course was interested.   However, this new package amounts to a 15 percent increase in wages, not much pared down to me.

As a parent I must admit, I am quite pleased with the work that Minister George Abbott is doing. Complete over haul of the BC College of Teacher (about time I might add). As well as his efforts to modernize an educational system that has not changed in at least 30 years.  At one point, I even called Minister Abbott, “my current favourite MLA”.  Don’t let that get to your head just yet George.

Back to the BCTF for a moment. This week they have been in the news and not in a positive light. Michael Smyth had an article in the province.

In the twitter sphere things got interesting. BCTF reps insisted that other public service employees received wage increases. I note that any public service employees that did receive wage increases still maintained “net-zero” mandate by conceding other benefits.  Counter-argument were ridiculous, BCTF went as far to say “Perhaps ON Libs could provide some tips to BC Liba manage this prov’s econ.” WOW, that’s all I could say. (Since then I have noticed that tweet has been deleted).

In a day and age with the average British Columbian thankful they have a job, without reduced hours let alone benefits, I cannot comprehend how the BCTF think that they are being short changed.  Their current benefits are over the top for the average BC’er. Frankly, I am a little tired of the story of how hard their jobs are. Yes, your job may be hard, so are a lot of peoples.

Unfortunately for the great teachers out there, they will not be able to negotiate a deal. I believe the BC Government will once again legislate the teachers back to work. Yes, you will hear all the negativity about our “Liberal” government. That fact is that BCTF never made a deal with the NDP either.

Back to George.  As a parent, and taxpayer, I ask you to please legislate the teachers back to work as soon as possible. It is IMPOSSIBLE to rationally have a discussion with the BCTF.

Should BC Liquor Stores be open on Sundays? BCGEU thinks so……

BCGEU President Darryl Walker suggests that wage demands could be funded by opening BC Liquor stores on Sundays. Is this the direction that the BC Government should be going?