Times have changed.
We're witnessing the biggest global economic downturn in 80 years. Ontario's dual sales tax system puts our businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Many experts agree.
Many economists, businesses and investors say that a single, value-added sales tax like the HST is the most important thing we can do to strengthen Ontario's economy.
Together with our tax cuts, the HST would attract investment and jobs, and it would also help protect those things – like our schools and hospitals – that make Ontario a better place to live.
The competitive benchmark is a harmonized sales tax.
In more than 140 countries and four other provinces, value-added sales tax like the HST is already a fact of life. It is modern, efficient and necessary to compete in today's changing world.
We have a choice.
We can refuse to fix what's broken and resign ourselves to the idea that Ontario would be less competitive. Or we can embrace change and do what it takes to build a stronger Ontario.
In Ontario we've made our choice. We're taking a tax system that was made for a bygone era and rebuilding it to help secure Ontario's prosperous future.
Watch videos on what others have to say about these tax changes.
Meet Minister John Wilkinson
