A unified voice of frustration filled the air around Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg Thursday evening, as hundreds protested the NDP government’s plans to hike the provincial sales tax to 8%.
Critics are also angry the Greg Selinger government will get around a law requiring a referendum on tax hikes by simply using its majority in the legislature to change the law.
“We’re mad and we’re not going to take it anymore,” Tannis Galbon told Global News. “This is a democracy, you can’t vote someone in and have them change the rules to suit their needs.”
There is also fear the at the hike will turn people and business away from the province.
“We’re really concerned overall this is making Manitoba much less competitive,” Janine Carmichael, the spokesperson for Canadian Federation of Independent Business told Global News.
For Nikolas Vander Kooy, a student studying out of province, said the hike makes him reconsider coming back after he graduates.
“I go to school in Alberta and this PST increase is really becoming a dis-incentive for me to come back home, and I want to be home.”
Many said Thursday’s rally was the first protest they had ever taken part in, but the issue was just too important to stay silent.
The proposed PST hike was part of the province’s April 16th budget when the government said it was necessary to maintain services while investing in infrastructure and flood protection during a sluggish economy.
The increase is due to kick in July 1st.
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