There have been a number of new developments over the past seven days in a variety of different areas.
As many of you may have heard, the HST referendum vote will be moved up to June 24.
The question will remain as first drafted.
“Are you in favor of extinguishing the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) and reinstating the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) in conjunction with the GST (Goods and Services Tax)? Yes/No.”
The voting process will be through a mail in ballot system. Although there are pros and cons to different voting systems, the mail in ballot process in this case can save B.C. taxpayers upwards of $18 million. For further information please visit www.hstinbc.ca website.
Savings of $18 million may not seem significant against a $40 billion B.C. budget; however I believe they are significant when, as an example, government can direct an additional $15 million this year into gaming grants that are distributed to more than 2,000 non profit organizations all across British Columbia.
Nonprofit organizations help define the fabric of our communities and often provide important services and benefits in a manner that is extremely cost effective to tax payers.
In summary, I believe the additional $15 million will be well spent in our various nonprofit, volunteer driven organizations.
In addition, the added gaming funding will also provide an extra $5 per Kindergarten to Grade 12 student for extracurricular sports and music programs across B.C.
This will be an increase from the current $20 per student rate that parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils received earlier this year from gaming grant funding.
Letters will also be sent out to inform successful organizations of increased funding levels.
For further information, do not hesitate to contact my office.
And finally this week I would like to take a moment to recognize the retirement of local well known HIV advocate James Banko.
Advocates play an important role in our communities and James has been a tireless and passionate individual working to ensure that services, awareness and assistance is available in this important area.
I wish Mr.Banko all the best in his retirement and can pass on that his contributions have made a difference in the many lives he has touched.
Bill Barisoff is the MLA for Penticton.
