New tax on tourism a tough swallow: MPP Arnott

The new 13-percent “harmonized” sales tax will hurt travel and tourism in Ontario, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

In a question today to the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Arnott blasted the McGuinty government for failing to consider the harmful effect its new sales tax would have on the province’s hard-hit tourism industry.

“This budget sent a clear signal to the industry that this government just isn’t listening and doesn’t care about tourism,” said Mr. Arnott.

“Does [this Minister] really believe that hiking sales taxes—and in the middle of an extreme economic challenge that we’re in now—will encourage travel and tourism in Ontario?”

In response, the Minister claimed the budget had been well-received by the tourism industry. But Mr. Arnott quoted feedback from three important tourism stakeholders in opposition to the McGuinty government’s desire to further tax Ontario tourism.

“The more tourism advocates learn about the McGuinty budget, the more willing they are to speak out against it,” Mr. Arnott later observed.

Ted Arnott is the MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills and serves as Tourism Critic for the Official Opposition. Read his his official website.

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