Hundreds Join South Fraser NDP MLAs To Show Growing Opposition To The Liberals’ HST
SURREY -- This past Sunday, over 500 people gathered in Surrey’s Holland Park to show their opposition to the B.C. Liberal government’s regressive Harmonised Sales Tax.
“Many of my constituents have called my office with a similar sentiment - anger 
Jagrup Brartowards the HST. They want Gordon Campbell to know that the people of Surrey do not want the HST,” said Jagrup Brar , MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood. “This is why we came together and organised this rally.”
New Democrat Opposition leader Carole James attended the rally. She was joined by people from all walks of life who came together to protest the B.C. Liberals’ unfair sales tax.
Harry Bains“People are angry at how the government brought in the HST. This is a government that betrayed the trust of the people of British Columbia, and continues to dismiss their concerns,” stated Harry Bains , MLA for Surrey-Newton.
The rally drew a variety of community leaders and activists. Small business owner Jasbir Sandhu raised concerns about the impact of the HST on his restaurant, saying “if our customers are not able to pay, then we have to close our doors, and then we are forced to lay off staff.”
Amrik Mahal, President of Black Top Cabs, noted that taxi drivers are concerned about the added pressure of a new sales tax when the economy is already struggling. Nimmi Takker from Vancouver Community College voiced the 
Sue Hammellconcerns of post secondary students, and seniors advocate Art Kube described the financial hardships that the HST would pose for senior citizens.
“Just as families, seniors, and small businesses are trying to recover from the economic downturn, the Liberal government will be implementing a tax grab that will hurt British Columbians. People are rightfully upset with the B.C. Liberal government’s broken promises. They want their MLAs to listen to their concerns, not act as apologists for Gordon Campbell,” said Sue Hammell , MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers.
“The HST has drawn people together from all political spectrums,” noted Guy Gentner , MLA for Delta North. “There 
Guy Gentnerwere former B.C. Liberal supporters at the rally who are unhappy with the Campbell government’s deceptions.”
“We can stop the HST, but we need to work together to make sure the B.C. Liberals pay attention to the overwhelming public opposition to this 
Bruce Ralstonnew tax,” said Bruce Ralston , New Democrat finance critic and MLA for Surrey-Whalley.
Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services. The New Democrats have a petition to stop the HST, which can be signed at www.StopTheHST.ca.
