Referendum ballots on whether to scrap B.C.'s harmonized sales tax begin arriving at 91原创 Island homes this week.
Elections B.C. is mailing voter packages to more than three million registered voters across the province, with the first phase, June 13 to 17, focused on the Island, Northern B.C. and eastern parts of the province.
The referendum is the culmination of more than two years of controversy over the HST, which has led to anti-tax petition drives, recall campaigns against Liberal MLAs and the resignation of former premier Gordon Campbell.
Voters will receive a brown "HST Referendum Voting Package" in the mail. Inside, they can place an "x" or check mark beside a yes or no answer to the following question:
"Are you in favour of extinguishing the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) and reinstating the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) in conjunction with the GST (Goods and Services Tax)?"
Voters can either mail their ballot back to Elections B.C. - postage is prepaid - or drop it off at a government service centre (a full list of which is on the elections.bc.ca website).
The return deadline is July 22, meaning ballots should be mailed several days prior to ensure delivery before the cutoff. B.C.'s chief electoral officer has the power to extend the deadline if mail service is disrupted by a continued Canada Post strike.
The referendum vote is the result of last year's anti-HST petition drive, organized by former premier Bill Vander Zalm.
His Fight HST organization gathered 557,383 signatures opposing the tax. It was the first successful citizens' initiative petition in B.C.'s history and forced the provincewide vote. The government has since said it will abide by the wishes of the majority and scrap the tax if necessary.
The HST has been the target of frequent criticism since it was announced by the Liberal government two months after the 2009 provincial election, in which Liberals said harmonization was not on the party's radar.
The 12 per cent HST - which merged the seven per cent PST and five per cent GST - officially came into effect July 1, 2010.
Proponents say it's good for the economy because it eliminates embedded provincial taxes, saves money for businesses and streamlines accounting.
Critics say the tax hurts consumers because it raises prices on a host of items - from movie tickets to restaurant meals, bicycles, airline tickets, funerals and haircuts - which were previously exempt from the PST.
An independent report on the HST's effects released last month said the tax is a benefit to the provincial economy, but offloads around average $350 a year in extra taxes from businesses onto families.
In response, Premier Christy Clark said she'd lower the HST to 10 per cent - in two stages, starting July 1 next year - and provide one-time cash payments for seniors and families with children under 18. Those changes are contingent on the HST passing the referendum.
The NDP Opposition has described Clark's proposal as an attempt to buy public support.
The referendum is expected to cost about $12 million. Government is spending another $7 million on an advertising and information campaign, including funding for both proponent and critic groups.
Referendum results should be counted and verified by August.
To be eligible to vote, a person must be at least 18, a resident of B.C. for at least six months and registered as a provincial voter.
Elections B.C. is sending ballots to last known addresses. If you have moved since the 2009 provincial election, and have not updated your address, you have until July 8 to request a ballot by calling Elections B.C. at 1-800-661-8683. [email protected]
