Finance Minister Kevin Falcon introduced an information campaign different from what British Columbians are used to seeing from government. TV, print and online formats feature "stickman", a character that embodies the current confusion existing around the HST.

The character promotes discussion and prompts viewers to seek out information at HSTinBC.ca, to help inform voters of their forthcoming decision to keep the HST or go back to the two-tax system of the PST and GST.

Current research posted at HSTinBC.ca indicates a great deal of misunderstanding about the HST, as well as a desire by British Columbians to learn more about it. For example:

• 61 per cent of respondents think basic groceries have gone up under the HST - not true.
• About half believe gas prices have gone up due to the HST. In reality, government spends $270 million to keep the tax component the same as before the HST was introduced.
• 48 per cent of respondents think electronics, such as your iPod, have increased after the HST. In reality tax is exactly the same.
• 34 per cent of people think Prescription drugs have increased - not true.

With the important decision British Columbians have to make this summer, this information campaign encourages them to get the information they need to make the most informed decision they can. This part of the Talking Taxes public engagement process builds on the current HST tele-town hall series, the up-coming public dialogues and the comprehensive voter's guide, which will be mailed to every household in the province before the referendum.

Quick Facts:

• This information campaign will run from mid-May to early July 2011.
• The information campaign is available at: www.HSTinBC.ca
• The cost of the HST information campaign will not exceed $5 million.
• All ballots must be received by Elections BC or Service BC by July 22, 2011.

Learn More:

For more information about the HST information campaign, visit: www.HSTinBC.ca

You can also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/hstinbc

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 896-4923