Ontario & British Columbia
Sales Tax Harmonization

Ontario and British Columbia have both announced their intention to harmonize their Provincial Sales Tax with the Federal Goods and Services Tax. Effective July 1, 2010, Ontario will have a federally administered 13% tax and British Columbia will have a 12% tax.

This change in tax structure will mean that some health related activities will no longer be exempt from charging Provincial Sales Tax.

The Breakdown

ONTARIO:
5% Goods and Services Tax + 8% Provincial Sales Tax = 13%.

BC
5% Goods and Services Tax + 7% Provincial Sales Tax = 12%.

The Result

ONTARIO - Add 8% to the cost of your fitness membership and fitness related services. i.e. the purchase of: swimming lessons, hockey, soccer and baseball registrations etc.

BRITISH COLUMBIA - Add 7% to the cost of your fitness membership and fitness related services i.e. the purchase of. Swimming lessons, hockey, soccer and baseball registrations etc.

With less than a year before implementation, now is the time to demand that both governments stop their plan to tax our health and well-being and provide an HST fitness exemption.