News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The Editor

Welcome to Williams Lake

I would like to respond to comments posted in this space made by Eric Freeston about the independent panel appointed to consider the two referendum options that British Columbians will vote on in September.

Contrary to what has been written, the panel is designed to present both the pros and cons of each referendum option. British Columbians can then review the panel’s findings and decide if they feel the information is helpful.

The panel will report directly to the public.  Their report will not be submitted to government prior to release. Based on public polling and focus group research we conducted, British Columbians told us they wanted expert analysis to assist them in making their decision on September 24

Readers can judge for themselves the calibre of the individuals on the panel and their credentials. There are four members of that panel, Jim Dinning, a former finance minister of Alberta, chair of the Canada West Foundation and chancellor of the University of Calgary; former B.C. Auditor General George Morfitt; Coast Capital Savings CEO Tracy Redies; and Simon Fraser University professor and former Saskatchewan NDP MLA John Richards.

Keeping the HST or reverting to the GST and PST is a significant decision for our province that will affect the future of our kids and grandkids. Seeking the advice of experts is an important step in providing information British Columbians have told us they would like to receive.

John Les

Parliamentary Secretary for HST Information

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