NDP want end to business HST exemption for entertainment before new transit tax

TORONTO – Ontario’s New Democrats say the Liberal government shouldn’t talk about new taxes to fund public transit when it’s going to give corporations a $1.3 billion a year break on the harmonized sales tax.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the Liberals seem very willing to impose a new tax or toll to pay for expanding public transit, but won’t block an HST exemption for banks and big businesses scheduled to be phased in starting in 2015.

Horwath says working people are again being asked to pay more but big companies will get an exemption from the 13 per cent sales tax on entertainment expenses, meals and even energy costs.

She says it’s an unfair way to fund transit, and warns the NDP expect to see a more balanced approach in the upcoming provincial budget.

Horwath has released a list of tax changes the NDP want to see in exchange for supporting the minority government’s budget and avoid triggering another election.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says she’s surprised the NDP aren’t on side with the Liberals in looking for new revenue tools to pay for public transit.

Horwath says corporations should use tax breaks to help create jobs, but complains the Royal Bank instead is giving Ontario jobs to foreign workers.