This election promise to reduce the GST (Goods and Service Tax) by the Conservatives (Liberals Confused Over GST) is a real non starter.

First, as was pointed out on the CBC’s The Current, the claim that this would save $400 in the first year for a family of four with an income of $60,000 is ridiculous. That means that they spend $40,000 on GST-taxable items (1% of $40K = $400) and $20,000 on housing, food, clothing, etc. which is plainly false.

Secondly, which party introduced the GST: the Conservatives under Brian Mulroney. There has been no admission by the current Conservatives of this heritage.

Finally, all sales taxes are regressive because they tax the poor the same amount as the rich.

If any party had the guts to campaign on removing the GST entirely and replacing it with the old excise tax or additional income taxes then they would win my support on this issue.