In 2011, the provincial government listened to what the NDP had been saying and announced the removal of the provincial portion of the HST from the cost of heating -- electricity and furnace oil.
Now they want to put it back.
St. John's East MHA George Murphy is circulating a petition asking government to reconsider the budget announcement that, along with an increased HST, will increase the cost of energy in the province by 10% effective next January.
PETITION: HST ON HOME HEAT
TO THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED
The Petition of the undersigned residents HUMBLY SHEWETH;
WHEREAS in 2011 the provincial government announced it would lift the 8% provincial portion of the HST on residential heat and light by introducing the Residential Energy Rebate (RER); and
WHEREAS heat is a necessity of life and a health concern, particularly for seniors; and
WHEREAS the provincial government has projected oil prices to increase in the next five years;
WHEREAS the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the House of Assembly to urge Government to stop taxing home energy and to reverse its decision to abolish the Residential Energy Rebate.
AND as in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray.
