For immediate release
December 22, 2007

Barrett petition calls for sales tax holiday for new and used vehicles

Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has issued a petition in time for the  holidays, calling on governments right across North America to give consumers a tax holiday on the purchase of new and used vehicles.

“I am hearing from those in the auto industry who can’t move vehicles off their lots, and of course I know that customers simply cannot afford those cars and trucks whether they are new or used,” Barrett said. “About a month ago, I called on the Ontario government to give Ontarians a tax break on the purchase of vehicles. Now it’s time for that idea to spread broader.”

Barrett says eliminating sales taxes on vehicles would be a win-win situation and would go far to inject some much needed cash into the North American economy.

“Governments are going to have to get creative in order to save jobs,” Barrett said. “Keeping folks working should be a priority right now and if that means the government loses out on some tax revenue, then so be it. Down the road it will pay off.”

Barrett was heartened to learn that new car dealers across Ontario are asking the provincial and federal governments to give tax rebates as well, at least for the next three to six months. Local people have been discussing this option for the past month.

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