Vancouver Island rallies occurred at noon yesterday against the upcoming imposition of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on bicycles and bicycle parts/accessories. Previously, bikes had been exempt from the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Over 600 people attended the Victoria rally outside the legislature, with participants from all over Vancouver Island. A smaller rally was held simultaneously in Nanaimo.
Along with the public rally, organizers presented a legal petition to the legislature with over 5000 signatures opposing HST on bikes.
Environmental advocates are against the new HST on bikes because increasing taxation on sustainable and beneficial forms of transportation like cycling are inconsistent with BC’s stated commitment to environmental stewardship.
Advocates argue that government policy should be to encourage participation in environmentally friendly methods of transportation, rather than discouraging participation through tax increases.
HST will increase costs of sustainable transport to consumers, therefore reducing consumer demand for bikes and bike parts/accessories. As a result, the HST will hurt local cycling retailers.
These negative effects on the cycling industry will occur at a time when BC’s economy is in a fragile recovery, and the stated public opinion is that sustainable businesses should be fostered.
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