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16 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, April 24, 1990 Stevenson explains GST to local merchants Durham MP Ross Stevenson met with about 60 members of the Scugog Chamber of Com- merce ast Tuesday evening for an informal' discussion about the governments new and Services Tax, better known asthe GST. Recent polls show the Con- servative fovernmen; has hit an all time low, managing to get only 16% of the popular poll. Mr. Stevenson admitted that the "GST was not packaged that well from the beginning and that it has been a struggle for the past several months. But he said that most people (consumers) don't realize that we have had a Federal Sales Tax (FST) since 1925, a tax that is hidden in the price you pay for almost every product pur- chased. He went on to say that the FST was first tried to be re- moved in 1941, but "rightly or wrongly no had the politi- cal guts to institute a consump- tion tax." Then with a smile he said "maybe we'll wish we hadn't as well", which received a spontaneous laugh from those present. Throughout his speech to the 'Chamber members, Mr. Ste- venson said that he expected there will eventually be 'one' blended tax for both the provin- cial and federal governments. He did not expect an agree- ment would be reached be- tween the two parties before the GST starts in January 1991, but indicated he didn't feel it would be in the distant future. In answer to a question on how the GST would effect the economy, Mr Stevenson felt there would be a "burst of spending during the last six months of 1990, followed by a reduction in spending during the first halfof 1991. One Chamber member told Mr. Stevenson that she was an- noyed that she could purchase Canadian products in the USA cheaper than in Canada, and wondered if Free Trade would eventually bring the prices moreinline. He replied that Free Trade will lessen the gap in prices, but hh dg to have to learn they can't ex- pect to have a pricing and taxa- tion system similar to the USA, and still expect to receive the far superior benefits of the Ca- nadian social system, citing the high cost of operating the Health Care system, old age pensions, baby bonus pro- grams. At the close of the meeting, he informed the gathering that Finance Minister, Michael Wil- son would be in the area on Fri- day to meet with Durham Re- gion media and for a visit with armers at Utica Farm Equip- ment. (see separate report else- where in thisissue of the Star) said that Canadians are going ROD COUCH'S BACKHOE SERVICES LTD. TRENCHING RK HOEPACKING oie 1 LEVELLING kK £7 ; > Sewer & Waterline 157: Say Repairs . ameENIAN, Excerpt#2: ONT. LOC 180 The Right to Windows That Are All They're Cracked Up To Be. Durham MP Ross Stevenson (centre) was guest speaker at a special meeting of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce last week to discuss the impact of the proposed Goods and Services Tax on small business, when it comes Into effect January 1, 1991. Above, Mr. Stevenson Is seen with C of Cc president Warren Strong (left) and Master of Ceremonies Joel Aldred following the meeting. (See story) Your installation deserves quality. And that's where Dashwood starts - with quality windows, custom crafted to your needs. featuring more than 40 artists $2.00 The partners of SAT., MAY 5th ADMISSION JDASHWOOD' SUN, MAY 6th sommes a2yeaR] | FOWLER, DAVIES Port Perry to raise funds for oapioe ete mii || | wm a | | BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS FOR INFORMATION: 985-7303, 9859828 or 9858174 Community Projects. OSHAWA 436-1344 are pleased to announce that EWI NG POOLS and WH S has joined the firm and will be . practising law in the areas of ) Since 1968 REAL ESTATE, INGRQUND POOLS CORPORATE - COMMERCIAL, Completely Installed and ESTATE LAW. J From 1 0,995 Includes: : e Expert Excavation ¢ Sand Filter as * 14 Guage Steel Walls * Pump | ; e Cement Hardbottom e Vacuum Kit '3 is Choose Ewing Pools e Bullnose Coping e Maintenance Kit . ears in the Pool Business e 30 Mil. Vinyl Liner e 3-Step Ladder ) e Family Owned and Run Business e Skimmer * Diving Board : . {Seria Bing an ws 4 sons) * Return Jets * 3 Ft Concrete Deck e Expert Workmanship PLUS High Quality Products and Warranties e FREE Solar Blanket | e Two Stores to Serve Your Needs * FREE Solar Roller | * Free Estimates + FREE Winter Cover ! e Qver 2300 Pools Installed in the ¢ FREE Pool Chemicals Whitby-Oshawa-Bowmanville area ¢ FREE Winterization | « We'll pay the Sales Tax 8 i | g m Taunton | J™ | A FAMILY TRADITION | 5 ™% FOWLER, DAVIES | 1200 Rossland Rd. E. FOR 23 YEARS 1261 Simcoe St. N. BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS | Whitby, Ontario Durham Region's Largest Oshawa, Ontario 175 North Street, Port Perry, Ontario 191. 17 | 430-1884 Inground Pool Installer / 728-1113 (416) 985-8411 = | | | |