Dear (Owen Sound SunTimes) Editor: 

     Our MPP Bill Murdoch has expressed his opposition to the Federal and Provincial initiative of a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2010.
   The Chamber of Commerce has studied this legislation thoroughly and understands that the HST is part of a package of tax reforms and is being introduced in concert with a multitude of other personal and corporate income tax initiatives. We have concluded that these reforms will make Ontario a better place to work, live and do business.
     Over the past decade we have seen Ontario's competitive advantage in the world erode as the global economy changes.Governments around the world including Canada are aware of the competition they face and are all taking steps to strengthen their competitive edge in order to save jobs and maintain the lifestyles that we have come to expect.
     I would encourage all taxpayers, both personal and corporate, as well as, elected officials to become informed about the proposed legislation, including the HST.Information is readily available on all aspects of the legislation through the Government of Ontario website, through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and many studies that have been completed and support the move to a value-added taxation system.
     Certainly some goods and services that are presently Retail Sales Tax (RST) exempt will become taxable but the overall benefits to Ontarians will come through the reduction in personal tax rates, corporate tax rates and competitive advantages we need to compete globally.As has been mentioned in the media income tax cuts both personal and corporate cannot be implemented on Jan. 1, 2010 without the enabling legislation being passed prior to the end of the year.
     The Chamber of Commerce encourages all constituents to support this new legislation.A strong local economy is what we need to provide people with jobs and opportunities, to allow them to stay in our region, raise families, increase wealth and be successful!
     Go to our Owen Sound Chamber website Links page here which lists several sites to resource.  (We'll expand this list as the legislation draws closer.)

We welcome your comments on this.
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