British Columbians will have an earlier vote on the HST (harmonized sales tax) than previously scheduled and they will be casting their ballots in the mailbox rather than the ballot box.
Attorney General Barry Penner announced Friday, March 25 that the vote will be conducted under the authority of the Referendum Act. “We listened to British Columbians, including opponents of the HST, who had concerns about the September initiative vote date and we are working to move up the process to June,” said Penner in a statement. “Under the Referendum Act, we will pose the question that was developed last fall by the acting chief electoral officer, with a binding outcome at a simple majority threshold.”
Further details on the referendum will be finalized by an order-in-council, but the government is working toward a date of June 24.
The referendum question will be “Are you in favour of extinguishing the HST and reinstating the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) in conjunction with the GST (Goods and Services Tax)?”
Moving to a mail-in ballot is expected to save taxpayers $18 million and address potential voter fatigue. It will be undertaken by Elections BC in a neutral fashion.
The province will also provide funding to ensure proponents and opponents are able to participate in public dialogue about the HST in a fair and transparent manner.
