News Release Archive
PREMIER--PROVINCE OPPOSES TAX ON BOOKS --------------------------------------------------------------- Premier John Savage said today Nova Scotia is opposed to a harmonized tax on books and has conveyed that message to the federal government. "We have spent some time examining the effect such a tax might have on the availability of books. We have come to the conclusion that at a time when we are attempting to promote literacy in Nova Scotia, a harmonized tax on books is cause for concern." Consumers now pay the seven per cent goods and services tax when they purchase reading material. At the moment there is no provincial sales tax on books. However, under harmonization the two would be combined and a 15 cent tax applied. "I instructed Finance Minister Bill Gillis to put Nova Scotia's case for exempting books from the harmonized tax when Mr.Gillis met recently with federal Finance Minister Paul Martin. We are awaiting a response from the federal government." Premier Savage said he views improved literacy in Nova Scotia Aas a necessary tool for economic development." He said: "If Nova Scotia is to attract new business and jobs to the province, we must have a population that is fully literate and able to acquire new skills. It makes sense to avoid situations where access to books is made more difficult." Premier Savage said he has discussed the issue with New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna. That province has adopted a similar position on taxation of books. Premier Savage has been a strong advocate of literacy programs both as a former school board chair, a former mayor, and now as a provincial premier. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 mfm Sept. 5, 1996 3:25 p.m.