British Columbians have an ally in the fight to stop the HST, according to the federal NDP leader.
Jack Layton told the B.C. NDP convention that when legislation is introduced, as early as tomorrow, for federal approval of HST pacts affecting B.C. and Ontario, his party will vigorously oppose it.
"Families are still reeling from this economic crisis and the last thing they need is a new tax," he said yesterday during an address at the Westin Bayshore.
Layton described the HST as a corporate welfare scheme, which is "stranger than fiction" and only realized through a $1.6-billion bribe in transition funds offered by Stephen Harper's Conservatives to the B.C. Liberals.
"The government here is going to get an earful," Layton said, "And we are going to match that in Ottawa."
The Bloc Quebecois have shown signs of supporting the legislation, which would allow it to be passed in the House.
