BC NDP

Upcoming legislative session last opportunity to stand up for Maple Ridge and Mission, says NDP

MAPLE RIDGE - MLA Marc Dalton has a final opportunity to represent the people of Maple Ridge and Mission, who are overwhelmingly opposed to the HST, and vote against the $1.9 billion tax shift when legislation comes forward in the upcoming legislative session, say the New Democrats.

"Voters in Maple Ridge and Mission are right to feel betrayed and frustrated about the B.C. Liberals' HST betrayal," said New Democrat MLA Sue Hammell. "And that frustration compounded when their elected representative, MLA Marc Dalton, was mute about the tax last autumn.

"The upcoming 2010 legislative session and the vote on the HST is a last opportunity for Mr. Dalton to show he will represent his constituents and vote against the HST."

During the 2009 campaign Dalton and the B.C. Liberals said they had no plans to implement a Harmonized Sales Tax, but shortly after the election they betrayed British Columbians by announcing the HST. A recent poll showed 82 per cent of British Columbians are opposed to the $1.9 billion tax shift on to consumers.

"Anything short of voting against the HST is a further betrayal to the voters of Maple Ridge-Mission," said Hammell. "British Columbians need MLAs that will stand up for them, not hide in their new office in the legislature."

Hammell noted that, during the first week of the 2009 legislative session, Mr. Dalton said the new B.C. Liberal MLAs "learned that we're not to walk on the swept carpet as we enter."

"Mr. Dalton has now had more than enough time to find his way around and adjust to his new responsibilities," said Hammell.

"It should be crystal clear to Mr. Dalton that this community opposes the HST, and the upcoming vote is his last opportunity to show he can be trusted to uphold his word."

Only seven B.C. Liberal MLAs would need vote against the HST when it comes before the legislature this spring to stop the tax. Carole James and the New Democrats continue to stand by their promise, and will vote against the HST.