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EDITORIAL No GST on the carbon tax

Vernon councillor requires support for petition demanding federal changes

The taxman has a bad case of double dipping.

Just consider that every time you fuel up your vehicle or use natural gas at home, you get taxed twice.

When B.C. launched the carbon  tax in 2008, the federal government decided to get into the act and threw the good and services tax — currently five per cent — on top.

And that directly impacts everyone us.

In the case of Bob Spiers, a Vernon councillor, the GST-related carbon tax to heat his home is about $125 a year.

Now there are differences of opinion on the need for a carbon tax but that’s not the issue here. The problem is that this double dose of levies takes additional money out of families, seniors and businesses, particularly at a time when many of them are struggling.

That’s why Spiers deserves praise for challenging Ottawa.

He has initiated an online petition that calls for the GST charged on provincial carbon tax to be eliminated.

Spiers has already garnered backing from Vernon city council and MP Mel Arnold, and now he needs the support of Canadians across the country to make a positive change.

If you are tired of being hit twice by the taxman, head to your computer and go to https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-713