Harmonization means more pay for Ontario tax collectors

One of the selling points made for the Blended Sales Tax in Ontario is that it would create efficiencies in sales tax collection. The federal government alone would deal with sales taxes, not both the feds and the province of Ontario. This should have meant fewer employees. Unfortunately, this is not the case and will actually mean even MORE dollars spent than before!

As Tristan Emmanuel explains in his article, "Time for a Tax Revolt in Ontario," 1251 Ontario tax collectors will be transfered to the federal government because of the BST. Yet, even though none are losing jobs, and most aren't even losing offices or a single day of work, they are still being paid $45,000 each for this change! This adds up to $25 million in severance for employees that aren't even "severed" -- just transferred.

Too bad Ontario either could not or did not take the same approach as British Coumbia. Finance Minister Colin Hansen said, "These employees are not entitled to severance because their jobs are not being terminated."

Premier McGuinty already won our Teddy Waste Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007. Too bad he doesn't rest on his laurels instead of throwing money everywhere--even to bureaucrats who won't work for him anymore!

By: Lee Harding
Posted: March 18, 2010
Topic: Ontario

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Comments

Wed, 2011-09-14 17:20 — Brent (not verified)

The reason we are not having

The reason we are not having a petition to remove the HST in Ontario is this. Dalton McGinty deleted the legislation from the Parlimentary Books. He also wrote the HST legislation so that it can not be altered in any way shape or form, regardless if we pay back the Federal Government, till 2015.
Dalton McGinty has not done anything about the high paid CEO, COO, CAO, Directors, Managers, Superintendants, etc., that are rampant in our health, hydro, public sectors etc. They are becoming wealthy on our tax dollars while we get little back in return. Dalton McGinty has done nothing to curb the massive judgements through Provincial Arbitration that gives massive raises to any public service that wants it. He has also given millions to the public sector unions.
Currently he is trying to buy more immigrant votes with his hiring tax break incentives, and foreign student incentives. If Dalton McGinty gets re-elected, you will get smart meters on your water and natural gas usage, you will get photo radar, he will continue to be soft on criminals, he will continue to raise taxes.............. Is this what you want?

Thu, 2010-05-13 17:29 — An Anonymous Taxpayer (not verified)

Petition for removal of HST on gasoline

It is obvious that the HST is going to become a reality, however - perhaps change can be enacted thru a petition requesting an exemption on gasoline. Especially since this was the case in BC.

Mon, 2010-07-19 21:37 — Raymond (not verified)

Tax on Tax

The price of gas per litre is already included in it a 10c federal tax and a 14.7c provincial tax. These 2 taxes are clearly posted on all gas pumps in ON. Now the 13 % HST on the price would mean tax on tax. How can that be???? How can our elected officials tax us to death with tax on tax. Waht will they thick of next??? We must revolt against this insanity.

Fri, 2010-04-09 10:36 — An Anonymous Taxpayer (not verified)

Pointy headed baby eater that

Pointy headed baby eater that is what the last Ontario Conservative Government called Mr McGuinty and he is holding true to that statement so far. I never voted for that jerk and never will. I remember just before the liberals took over from the last Ontario PC government, a professor from Simon Fraser University - who studies the Ontario Government knew that the PCs were running a deficit budget; however, the opposition government at that time (McGuinty Liberals) didn't have a clue - Fat, Dumb and Happy. One would figure since you are the official opposition you would more closely scrutinize the numbers (the professor did). Once the Liberals got in power, it was a big shock to them (not the professor). Once they got over the shock someone from the Liberals (Sandra Pupatillo) made a statement that we should put in legislation that once a vote is called we should have the books audited - I haven't seen that legislation yet. Yet another broken promise from the libs.

Fri, 2010-04-09 07:02 — An Anonymous Taxpayer (not verified)

The implementation of the HST

The implementation of the HST in Ontario will promote under-the-table transactions. What else is the average consumer to do when governments continue to tax us beyond our capacity to pay? Increased costs of gasoline, home heating, electricity are all necessities, however when it comes to any home improvements I will be paying cash to anyone who is willing to forego billing. The McGuinty government is leaving me no choice.

I would be curious to know exactly how much of my income goes to taxes, federal, provincial, municipal and HST. I'm sure the number is a scary one.

Mon, 2010-03-29 08:28 — An Anonymous Taxpayer (not verified)

HST will hurt the weakest

The HST does nothing but download the tax burden to the average Canadian. IF the burden did not change this would be OK EXCEPT it is changing the lives of so many. Condo's costs are going to skyrocket and Seniors who have services provided for them will be paying extra. The irony is that though there will be no real revolt at the professionally run condo level there will be a huge increase in a passive revolt at the Senior citizen and homeowner level. There really is no consequence to them to pay cash and when the proffessionals are at the very least 25% higher due to government stupidity who would you choose?

Out of curiosity. When the government sets up a tax system that promotes unfair competition is there someone honest people can sue. Honestly, if I were a variety store selling cigarettes I would be so livid that I have a chain of regulations around me whilst the blackmarketers gain 32% of the market. Nothing is or can be done about all the non compliant cigarette sales people and their number is quite small. Imagine how they will get revenue from the people performing services to the seniors.

Paying $45,000 in severance just adds to the injury.

Fri, 2010-04-09 05:30 — An Anonymous Taxpayer (not verified)

Why are we not petitioning

Why are we not petitioning the move to harmonize tax in Ontario?

I understand it is good for the "provincial government" as it is just a tax grab to help them get out of deficit, but can someone please, please explain to me how it is a good thing for the consumer (tax payer).

Also, can someone please explain to me why a married couple should get a rebate of $1,000 (or $500 each) and a single person is only entitled to $300? There are 2 single people living in my household, so why should we not be entitled to $1,000 (or $500 each)?

If government used more common sense regarding where they spend their (and by their I mean our) money, we wouldn't need to harmonize the tax and pay more tax for everything - like paying severance pay to people who are not even losing their jobs!

I totally agree that prisoners (of any kind) should not be entitled to the same government benefits as law abiding citizens (that fund those benefits).

Well McGuinty, enjoy it while you can because I seriously doubt you will be re-elected, and if you are then Ontarions, we have no right to complain!

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