I felt the citizens of Prince George should be aware of yet another area where the HST is causing great concern.
I volunteer at the Elder Citizens Centre on 10th Avenue. About three weeks ago the centre manager and board were informed that they would have to collect HST on the meals and many other items at the centre.
The mandate of a Seniors Recreation Centre is to provide services such as recreation, socialization and nutritious meals to seniors at a low cost. With the introduction of the HST the price of the daily meal has increased $.70. Add a dessert and tea or coffee and you are close to an additional $1.
For some seniors who live on a very tight budget this cost increase has been too much. Some on them are now unable to come for lunch daily as they did in the past so not only are they missing out on a nutritious meal they are missing the companionships of their peers.
While the HST may be helping some big business it is punitive to those at the lower income levels in British Columbia.
Hopefully our memory will not fail us, as I'm sure the Liberal Government hopes it will, in one year when it comes time to vote at the referendum.
Any way you look at it the HST is not good for the middle/lower class citizens in British Columbia and for many it has, in fact, become a hardship.
Karen McKenzie
Prince George
