SURREY – Surrey Minor Hockey League is being hit hard by the HST and Surrey families may be left with higher registration costs and fees, New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston said today.Bruce Ralston

Ralston noted that Surrey Minor Hockey currently rents ice time through the City of Surrey. These rental fees will be increased from five per cent to 12 per cent after July 1, when the B.C. Liberals' HST is slated to take effect. The HST will increase costs for Surrey Minor Hockey by over $30,000. Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association is also looking at a $32,000 increase in yearly costs because of the HST.

“The introduction of the HST is going to force Surrey Minor Hockey to look for additional sources of revenue,” noted Ralston. “The league is left with no options but to increase registration costs, making it less affordable for families.”

Surrey Minor Hockey has trained many talented recruits, including Prab Rai, the new NHL recruit for the Vancouver Canucks.

 “It’s sad to see that B.C.’s children have to pay the price for the B.C. Liberals' broken promises and mismanagement. The B.C. Liberals are making it that much harder for children and families to enjoy our national sport,” said Ralston.

Only seven B.C. Liberal MLAs would need to vote against the HST legislation to stop the tax. Carole James and the New Democrats continue to stand by their promise, and will vote against the HST.

Bruce Ralston

Surrey-Whalley

Bruce Ralston was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey - Whalley on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.