Manitoba government files documents in Tory PST lawsuit

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government has filed court documents in a lawsuit over its increase in the provincial sales tax.

The government says the legislature has the right to change sales tax laws without interference by the courts.

It also rejects an argument by the Opposition Progressive Conservatives that citizens have a constitutional right to vote on any proposed increase.

The government also argues that the Tories, as a political party, are not qualified to be an applicant in such a lawsuit.

The NDP government raised the sales tax last year to eight per cent from seven and changed a law that required a referendum on PST hikes, income or payroll taxes.

Tory Leader Brian Pallister says he’s ready for the court battle next week and will appeal to a higher court if his party loses.