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It seems like the first of July was more then just a national party. I truly believe it was the beginning of the end for Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Liberal Party in Ontario. Now, I wasn't pleased when I heard of the implementation of the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) through various TV, radio and newspaper ads. I could `sort of' accept it, with the logic that the 13 per cent HST was the same as combining the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and the GST (Goods and Services Tax). But I was incensed at it being applied to new items, particularly fuel prices, giving that commodity yet another price increase. I was also annoyed that some businesses, like farmers, fishermen and other such self-employed people, could no longer be exempt from eligible PST by showing their tax exemption card at the cash register. Oh sure, they can have it rebated, but the paperwork to have the money refunded makes most of those affected either not bother, or simply forget to apply for the refund-- something I'm sure the government is counting on. But the `other' tax that we suddenly found ourselves paying has me seething. It's the eco-fee. First of all, there was virtually no notice that this tax grab-- I can think of no other term-- was being thrust upon the consumers in Ontario. Ontario shoppers suddenly began seeing an `eco-fee' added on to their supermarket charges at point of sale. The official line, (according to Stewardship Ontario, the industry group that oversees mandated recycling programs) the fee is for recycling certain products purchased which include dish soap, batteries, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent tubes, bulbs, fire extinguishers and all aerosol containers. And a plethora of other things we haven't even seen yet. To me, there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the fee, no set schedule, simply a fee tacked on to the product as it's rung through the cash. With lots of negative press, Stewardship Ontario was quick to blame the media for all sorts of `misinformation' about the new `fee' (God forbid we'd call it a tax!) The Toronto Star's Queen's Park Bureau What in hell is an `eco-fee'? Ted Brown Chief, Robert Benzie, quotes the Stewardship Ontario edict distributed last week: "With new misinformation surfacing in media every few hours over the last day or two, is it any wonder that consumers are confused?" reads the edict. "As you're probably aware, this week eco-fees have been the subject of a media firestorm-- unfortunately, much of the coverage to date reflects a basic misunderstanding of both our mandate and our jurisdiction," the edict continues. Yeah, right, blame the media-- again. First of all, had Stewardship Ontario actually formally announced the new `fee', they might have had some validity in making such a statement. But the fee was virtually unannounced. `Sneaky' is a word that comes to mind. Geez, until the eco-fee surfaced, I'd never even heard of Stewardship Ontario! In the same story, another quote from the Stewardship Ontario's release, stated, "As one of the costs of doing business, the eco-fee may be reflected in the product's sticker price-- in which case the consumer is none the wiser." Yup, sounds sneaky to me. If the McGuinty Liberals had a shred of credibility in the past, it's pretty much gone. In 2011, after the next provincial election, I do hope whichever party forms the next government, their leader has the brains to reverse the damage that the present government has created. And I seriously doubt it'll be Dalton's gang. If any political party wants to stay in power, it's essential they take a close look at the little guy, to see how indiscriminate tax changes impact all Ontarians. Otherwise, they'll be dusting off their resumes-- just like Dalton and many of his Liberal MPPs will be doing. "Spaces live. Let me help you live well in yours." Catherine Brazeau, Interior style consultant 905.877.0296 www.haughtonbrazeau.com Complete renovation management, colour harmonizing, furniture & accessories selection, lighting advice... and much more! 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Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. FREE SUMMER CAMP (Vacation Bible School) at the Georgetown Christian Reformed Church (11611 Trafalgar Rd) STARTS THIS MONDAY -JULY 19th-23rd 9:00-Noon Ages K - Grade 5! Spaces still available call 905.877.4322 or register on Monday the 19th! Jewelry stolen in Five Sideroad break-in Halton Police are investigating a break and enter into a Five Sideroad home sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 7:20 p.m. last Thursday. The front door was kicked in to gain entry. Stolen were a diamond ring, wedding band, opal ring and University of Toronto gold ring. Value of the stolen items is approximately $3,000. ANGIE & JEFF'S STAG & DOE SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010, 7 PM Ballinafad Community Centre Raffles, Games & Tons of Prizes! $10.00 in advance 9362 Wellington Road 42 Ballinafad $15.00 at the door