MPPs Dunlop and MacLeod highlighted that on July 1st, Ontarians will be forced to pay 8 % more on common household expenditures like home heating and gas for their cars. On Canada Day they will also pay 8% more for personal services like visits to the barber, hairstylist or massage therapist.

Quotes

"The HST will have a devastating impact on Ontario families and seniors because they will now be forced to pay 8% extra for personal services, like haircuts. Therefore, small businesses, such as Fisher's Barbershop in Barrie, will be affected as customers will visit less. It is truly shameful the McGuinty Liberals are implementing this unwanted tax."

-- Garfield Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North

"Come Canada Day Dalton McGuinty will force Ontario families and seniors to stretch their budgets further by slapping an 8% tax hike on haircuts, perms, styles and hundreds of everyday items. At a time when Ontario families and seniors can least afford to pay government coffers another $1000, Dalton McGuinty is ramming through the biggest tax grab in Ontario's history."

-- Lisa MacLeod, MPP Nepean-Carleton, Ontario PC Critic for Revenue and Government Accountability

Quick Facts

• Come July 1^st, 2010 when the HST is implemented, personal services, such as trips to the barbershop and the hair dressers will all see an 8 per cent tax hike at point of purchase.
• The National Citizens Coalition states the HST will cost the average Ontario family at least $1,000 more per year.
• In a poll, conducted for Canwest News Service by Ipsos Reid last December, more than 74 per cent of Ontarians oppose the implementation of the HST on July 1^st. Ninety per cent of respondents said they believe the HST is nothing more than a "huge tax grab by the provincial government."

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