HST: Boost or bust for tourism industry?

In March 2009 the Government of Ontario announced the introduction of a harmonized sales tax (HST) followed by the Government of British Columbia in September.  The current provincial sales tax in BC and Ontario is 7 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.  On July 1st, these rates will be combined with the 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax resulting in a 12 per cent and 13 per cent tax in each province. 

The announcement of HST took the tourism industry by surprise in both jurisdictions.


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