The “Harpauer Hometown Hockey and Rodeo Tax” begins October 1, 2022. Although the government calls it the “… entertainment and recreation PST expansion”, it’s a small city and small town hockey and Rodeo tax.
For example, if you go to a rodeo or hockey game in Weyburn, Melville, Moose Jaw or any other community, the “Harpauer Hometown Hockey and Rodeo Tax” increases the price by 6%.
To be fair, Minister Harpauer did suggest ‘little rodeos’ would be exempt. But why should fans attending the Maple Creek or Swift Current Rodeo have to pay 6% more while people in Big Beaver pay nothing?
Cutting Horse competitions? 6% more. A Terriers and Hawks hockey game? 6% more.
The “Harpauer Hometown Hockey and Rodeo Tax” even extends to: golf, hunting, curling, historic sites, fairs, trade show, movies, museums and more.
On August 23, 2022 the Government announced: “Saskatchewan is forecasting a surplus of $1.04 billion for 2022-23.”
On August 24, 2022 the Government announced people will get a $500 cheque.
Why Increase Taxes?
The Government isn’t broke.
The Government doesn’t need more money – heck, they are giving some away.
It really doesn’t make sense. Not when people are struggling with the higher cost of everything.
The “Harpauer Hometown Hockey and Rodeo Tax” only adds misery to the lives of those who want a diversion in these tough times by; going to a movie; hunting; attending a Humbolt Broncos and Kindersley Klippers hockey game – or watching Barrel Racing.
The “Harpauer Hometown Hockey and Rodeo Tax” is a really dumb idea.
