After reading Paul Willcocks column regarding the HST I have to say I couldn't agree more. Where are our elected representatives when it counts the most? We (and some of them) were blind-sided by the proposed implementation of the HST, which as we are told in the sales pitch will lower prices and put people to work. It is assumed by our politicians that we are not intelligent enough to do our own calculations.

If we use the GST for example, how many goods became less costly after implementation? Fuels, vehicles, food, anything? Did we stimulate more domestic production of goods and increase employment or did we eliminate it/them? Could this be why so few goods are sourced in Canada now? So based on that, am I wrong in assuming that the HST will drive inflation as businesses increase prices to recover carrying and administration costs. Many utilities have already stated that they will not be reducing their prices as the savings to them are too small. I believe this to be more of what we will see and indeed price increases will occur as with the GST.

Premier Campbell is saying he is concerned about job losses if we don't move to the HST. The sudden concern about jobs is good to see. Although after the disregard shown for several years over B.C.-based oil and gas service jobs, many of which have been and continue to be sacrificed in favour of out of province workers, one wonders how genuine his concerns really are. He did only mention forestry and mining jobs in the house after all.

Poaching of BC jobs will most likely increase as the perception of costs being seven per cent higher sets in. Where will the much touted increase in employment come from? Will he force project proponents to employ BC residents or just hope that by delivering on the gift of the HST the proponents will do it on their own? Poor strategy either way as indicated by previous finance ministers. The HST, in spite of the support of a multitude of dubious economists will not be the salvation Campbell wishes it to be.

Bob Fedderly

Charlie Lake