NDP seeking to remove HST from home heating bills

TORONTO — The New Democrats are wasting no time in introducing a bill to take the provincial portion of the HST off home heating.
The party will introduce their private member's bill this afternoon, on the first day back at the legislature after the Oct. 6 election.
Taking the HST off essentials like home heating was a key election promise by both the NDP and the Progressive Conservatives, who have said they would support such an effort.
With a combined vote count of 54, the opposition parties feel confident they can get the bill through, although the minority Liberals have the power to prevent it from getting to final reading, and have vowed to do so.
The Liberals will be countering with their own legislation to introduce a $1,500 home renovation tax credit for seniors -- one of their own election promises.
The New Democrats say the bill would cost the government $350 million in lost revenue, but argue it's money well spent on struggling families.
The bill comes on the same day as Finance Minister Dwight Duncan delivers his economic update.