It sometimes feels like the federal government is using old colonial tactics to try and seduce the masses. Just give them trinkets, they'll be content.
I know this is a reference to the horrendous treatment of indigenous peoples during the colonial theft of land but feels like the same mindset.
The two-month GST vacation is going to be a logistical nightmare for businesses and government. I'm no accountant but I can see many extra hours trying to figure out who owes what and where and when.
People going out for their $300-$400 meals will definitely see a discount on their bills but if they are already going out for those types of meals are they really concerned? People going out for their Big Macs and Whoppers will see a difference but is that extra dollar savings really going to make them feel like they got that great "meal deal"?
So many things are exempt from GST as it stands now but some of those big ticket items purchased around Christmas time will probably give more of an incentive to buy. This is the season where there are already great incentives to buy (Black Friday-Boxing Day etc.) so this would certainly add a few coins to the coffers.
Those that already have the means to spend more will see a difference though not necessarily noticed or felt or even cared about as much as those who don't. I would have liked to see the expert minds that come up with these incentives to look at the cost of such programs and I suggest that those millions of dollars lost in revenue might be better distributed to lower income people who would benefit from a "Christmas" bonus in the form of an addition or top up of the upcoming stimulus money.
Evan Begbie
Cowichan Bay
