Carol Hughes Speaks To Poppy Campaign & HST
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes
Poppy campaign gets a break from HST in time for Remembrance Day
Once again, New Democrats are fighting to better support Canada’s veterans. On October 28th, these efforts paid off when the government lifted the 13 per cent HST from poppies and wreaths, meaning all donations from the Remembrance Day fundraising campaign will go to supporting the selfless individuals who have fought for our country instead of falling into the hands of the government.
Veterans will receive a full refund on the HST because of the work of New Democrat MP Malcolm Allen, whose Private Member’s Bill was picked up as a good idea by the Finance Minister. Just days before the poppy campaign launched, Bill C-480 was tabled – calling for the GST to be removed on poppies and wreaths bought to support veterans.
The poppy campaign is the biggest fundraising tool for the Royal Canadian Legion. By charging the 13 per cent HST on the purchase of poppies, the federal government was inadvertently hurting veterans and their families.
The extra tax meant legions were losing money when they bought the poppies from their Toronto supplier. Those funds would have eventually been squeezed from Canadians’ donations for Remembrance Day poppies. More than ever, legions need these funds to support our military, police, and RCMP veterans and their families.
Legions sell about 16 million poppies every year; last year’s poppy order cost about $6 million. If the HST were charged on this year’s $6 million poppy and wreath order, legions would pay more than double last year’s tax.
Veterans started paying GST on poppies in 1996. They attempted to resolve the problem with the government, but nothing was done. The recent implementation of the HST meant that the loss of additional dollars would certainly be cutting into their bottom line. The New Democrat legislative initiative coupled with pressure from legions and veterans has paid off with this new HST exemption. The timing was critical as legions prepare for Remembrance Day. On this note, I encourage you to support the Legions poppy campaign.
In February, Canada’s last known First World War veteran, John Babcock, died. The face of Canada’s veterans is changing. Today’s retiring veterans have served as part of missions in places like Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Cyprus. As the times change, veterans’ needs also change. We need to keep taking steps toward better support for the increasing number of Canadian veterans.
Throughout the riding, Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held in honour of our veterans, past and present. On November 11th, I encourage you to attend these important ceremonies in order to pay respect to the soldiers who helped bring us the freedom and peace we enjoy today.
