Ontario's Revenue Minister was in Fort Frances Friday to sell the planned harmonization of the provincial sales tax with the federal GST.
Speaking at the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting, John Wilkinson says the HST will bring many benefits to businesses and changes to a 40 year old tax that has brought hidden costs to both business and consumers.
"Our companies, particularly our exporters, are hampered by some $5-billion worth of a hidden layer of tax that the consumer pays and doesn't even know is there. That's why we've decided to take this bold step."
Wilkinson says having one tax will save businesses and consumers money and put Ontario on a competitive level with other countries and their tax structures.
But Wilkinson says blending the provincial sales tax with the GST is only a part of a more comprehensive tax reform package that others aren't talking about.
He says the reforms come with measures to help people cope with taxing of goods now exempt from the PST.
"We're adding an additional rebate of some $260 each and every year for every person in the family. For seniors we're doubling the property tax credit."
Wilkinson says there will also be new tax grants for families, especially those who have a lot of children.
The changes take effect next July.
