In a previous article I pointed out that the Ontario government made a big mistake when it recently gave an exemption to the fast food industry concerning the new HST legislation that will add 8% to most products.
Essentially, the Ontario government is promoting the consumption of fast food that is known to be of low nutritional value and the underlying cause of sickness and disease. The government is showing a a complete disregard for the health of Ontarians with this legislation. If you have a public administration degree you'd know that this can mean big problems for the government.
However, the government could redeem itself if it could point to any example in the HST legislation that showed a genuine concern for the health of its citizens. In other words, was the government willing to take a stand, and exempt any products or services that would make for a healthier lifestyle?
Unfortunately, the answer to that question is a definitive, “No.”
On July 1, 2010, anyone purchasing a gym membership or making payments on one, will be charged an extra 8% HST on the value of the membership. So, if a person wants to lose weight, become fit and improve his diet, the government will punish that person by adding an extra tax.
Now let’s get this straight. The government says it is really concerned about our health, but will be charging HST on gym memberships while not charging HST on fast food meals. Unbelievable!
After July 1, 2010 we have a pretty good idea of what will happen in Ontario. Fewer people will renew their gym memberships because of the tax and those people will not be as healthy thereafter.
After July 10, 2010 more people will be drawn to eating fast food because it is exempt of the HST.
I would encourage everyone who reads this article to send a letter, a paragraph or even a sentence telling your local MPP that you disagree with the government’s plan for the HST as it affects fast food and gym memberships.
We, the people, have our representatives in government to carry out our wishes, not their agenda controlled by lobbyists. The fast food companies need to be stopped in their tracks.
I shudder to think about the state of health of Ontarians in a couple of years with legislation like this.
