When will it happen?

[glen1971]

A friend and I were talking at work today and got me thinkin...

When do you think our newly elected provincial government will be adding a Provincial Sales Tax to help raise money for their "budget"?

I am guessing within 18 months, so that we will "forget" about it and be used to it by the time the next election comes in...

[leeaspell]

Just before Christmas next year, so.they can cash in all the Christmas shopping season.

[Rocky7]

12-18 months would be my guess. Then more money will be given to the special interest groups by way of "programs" and funding - teachers, unions, government workers, etc. Once people form the habit of sucking at the government teat, they'll elect you forever.

I'd also watch for some giveaway of our provincial resource revenue, whether by direct payment or by stealth - a la Dion's "Green Shift".

[JohninAB]

Originally Posted by Rocky7

12-18 months would be my guess. Then more money will be given to the special interest groups by way of "programs" and funding - teachers, unions, government workers, etc. Once people form the habit of sucking at the government teat, they'll elect you forever.

I'd also watch for some giveaway of our provincial resource revenue, whether by direct payment or by stealth - a la Dion's "Green Shift".

[thunderheart]

so how much sales tax would one expect to see ? i guess gst applies there as well?

[thunderheart]

hmmm we are not amused

[graybeard]

I am guessing the same day they no longer want to be in power!

[Okotokian]

I'm unclear why one would ever be required. Way less political heat to raise income tax rates than to implement a sales tax. Seems suicidal to go there in Alberta.

[Donkey Oatey]

I have heard that by not having a sales tax we are missing out on revenue from visitors and tourists. I just about choked when I heard that from one of the so called "experts".

I don't care if we miss a few bucks on tourists. They spend enough in this province. I spend enough in this province. You want to see a government go down in flames in Alberta. Bring in a sales tax.

[Yéil]

Originally Posted by Donkey Oatey

I have heard that by not having a sales tax we are missing out on revenue from visitors and tourists. I just about choked when I heard that from one of the so called "experts".

I don't care if we miss a few bucks on tourists. They spend enough in this province. I spend enough in this province. You want to see a government go down in flames in Alberta. Bring in a sales tax.

Most jurisdictions that charge a sales tax will re-imburse a foreign tourist once they leave the province. (see Ontario as an example - http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/refund/visitor/) I can't see Alberta using that as a rationale for putting on a sales tax. If they followed the rest of the jurisdictions that refund it, they'd only be returning it to the visitor.

[Yéil]

Whatever the PST or HST will be it's going to have to be calculated to round up to the nearest nickle or dime... once we lose the penny, both levels of govt will be grabbing the round ups.

[Zip]

Originally Posted by Yéil

Whatever the PST or HST will be it's going to have to be calculated to round up to the nearest nickle or dime... once we lose the penny, both levels of govt will be grabbing the round ups.

Good point...and your right,taking the penny out of service will give all the retailers and suppliers of all we buy an opportunity to make a penny or two on every sale...then in steps the gov't to get their unfair share!

[Sooner]

Ok, lets say they bring in either a PST or HST this term. Would the WR do away with it when they get the next majority government? Would be a good election promise but...would they, could they.

[Redfrog]

Ask the ones who voted for her. It must be in her platform. You know the one he made on the napkin from the cafe.

Smith's idea to pay $300 dividends from energy after the budget was balanced and bills were paid was un workable according to REdford.

HOWEVER the $500 more for every teacher was fine. Guess where that money is coming from. Not from energy, and not from a balanced budget.

I think the PCs are giving grants to KY to develop new flavors of lubricant.

I'm afraid the next four years will require a very strong topical anesthetic regardless of flavor.

[JohninAB]

$500 is a tax credit, how much will that work out to in real dollars?

Hiring 1400 more teachers, support workers and aides, where did Danielle get that money from?

[Rocky7]

Originally Posted by Redfrog

HOWEVER the $500 more for every teacher was fine.

No, it wasn't. But I guess you know that.

It was obvious pandering with our money. Expect to see more of it.

Over the last 10 years of PC government, public employees (bureaucrats, teachers, police, etc. etc. etc.) have seen an average wage increase of 119%.

[nof60]

I wish Alberta would implement a 10% sales tax tomorrow so you can send more transfer money up here,


someone has to pay for "northern sovereignty and it may as well be you



just kiddin, if she implements a PST you all need to find a tall tree and a short rope