News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS698) -->> FINANCE--DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON TAX INCLUDED PRICING FINANCE--DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON TAX INCLUDED PRICING ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Nova Scotia Department of Finance has released the details of consultations with the public over the past six months, including the results of a poll conducted in late August on the subject of tax included pricing for consumers. Finance Minister Bill Gillis said: "This public opinion poll shows consumers in this province have an overwhelming preference for having prices displayed with the sales tax included." Seventy-three percent of those polled in Nova Scotia chose tax included pricing, once harmonization comes into effect next spring. Those choosing this option said they preferred taxes to be included so that they would know exactly what they will pay in advance. Simplicity was another significant benefit mentioned by consumers. The poll was conducted by Corporate Research Associates as part of their Omnibus Survey this summer. The responses have a margin of error of plus/minus 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20. Dr. Gillis said the details of the government's response on this and other harmonization issues will be contained in a technical paper to be released tomorrow. Dr. Gillis also released details of the government's consultations on the subject of harmonization since the agreement was signed in principle last spring. Dr. Gillis said the government was committed to the principle of harmonization at that time, but wanted to consult with people to make sure the principles were implemented correctly. Since the agreement in principle has been reached, Dr. Gillis said more than 80 separate meetings have been held between various groups and Department of Finance officials. Dr. Gillis said the department has been able to meet, sometimes several times, with virtually all groups that asked for a meeting. The consultations ranged from the Consumers Association of Canada to 13 cash register dealers from around the province. The full list of groups who were consulted is available from the department. In addition, the minister said 478 letters from the public on the subject came into the department on the subject. Of these, the largest number (78) dealt with the subject of taxing books. The second largest topic was tax-included pricing at 73. The next largest category was general letters of support for the policy of harmonization, numbering 55. The remaining letters dealt with general concerns and questions about how the tax system will operate. Finally, the department received well over 700 calls on the 1-800 line. Every call has had a response from the department. The government plans to increase consultation and answer capabilities following the release of the technical paper. Calls can be addressed to a joint line with Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-3384, fax questions can be sent to 902-424-0590, policy questions to 1-800-731-7707. People with access to E-Mail may contact: HST@gov.ns.ca or may want to get answers directly from the website after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday:https://novascotia.ca/fina/ Dr. Gillis said once the technical paper is released, businesses and the public will have another chance to offer advice. The minister said, " It is particularly important that we make sure there are no unintended consequences flowing from harmonization. The next few weeks will allow us to make any final changes needed before legislation is introduced in Parliament and the provincial legislatures." -30- Contact: Bruce Cameron 424-8787