I am writing as a small business operator in hopes of explaining how the HST has negatively affected my own business here in Vernon.
We already struggle due to high overhead. We pay extremely high property taxes here due to our lease being triple net, as well has high utilities (water sewage and garbage etc.). On top of our lease we were horrified, to say the least, that when the HST kicked in, our overhead on our lease was driven up $795.00 per month over night. This has put us in such a bad position we have had to let go one of our staff members that works the afternoons here, which has caused her a lot of distress as she quite loved working here. I am told the HST is suppose to be helping produce jobs and I am wondering if they have they taken into consideration those people in our position that have had to let go of an employee due to the HST?
I listen to our clients that are already struggling to make ends meet and I cannot justify off-setting the cost of the HST on to them personally any further than they already have been. I hear the parents complain about how hard it is to put decent clothes on their children’s backs and food on their tables due to the added expense of HST on their purchases.
The HST may be good for those making the big money. However, day care is a good barometer for gauging the economy and struggles of the poor to mid working class.
I for one think the HST has caused a lot of personal suffering to more people than not.
I think those in public office would do better for their people if they stopped increasing their personal income derived from their offices. I wonder how that would help the poor to mid working class? I wonder if we tallied all of their wage increases received this year and bonuses, what that money could do for the people? Maybe they’re the ones that should be tightening their belts. They already earn plenty.
Personally myself, I feel my staff of 13 and all 50 of our clients haven’t seen the benefit to the HST. The HST may end up being a deduction for me come tax time, but it doesn’t help me intermittently and that’s when I need that money. The $795 could come in handy now, especially for our laid off staff member.
And personally, I am also sick of being gouged by the very people who are in their seats presumably to help us. My 50 clients, who also work in this community, are all stating they have a slow-down of people coming through the doors at their place of employment. I don’t see any thing good in the HST. I’m voting it out!
Sherry Lynn Morrical
Owner, House of Dwarfs Daycare
Vernon
