No excuse for failing First Nations on HST: Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath today called on Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to acknowledge that he failed Ontario’s First Nations on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

“A recent independent study found that the HST and the end of the point of sale exemption will cost Ontario First Nations $100-million a year,” said Horwath.

“The McGuinty Liberals rammed the HST through without consulting First Nations.  It’s time the Premier admits that was simply wrong.”

Horwath noted that First Nations leaders are worried that negotiations will still be underway as the HST comes into effect on July 1st – ending the point-of-sale exemption.

Today in Question Period, Horwath asked the Premier to ensure the point-of-sale exemption is maintained throughout the negotiations ­– even if it’s after July 1st:

“Will the Premier commit today to honoring the First Nations point-of-sale exemption after July 1st if the negotiations aren’t complete?” Horwath asked.