Further to previous posts on the BC Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), the BC Care Providers Association is very pleased to report that we have now received formal confirmation from the Ministry of Health that contracted for-profit residential care providers will receive mitigation to address the negative financial impact of the HST.
This new development complements previous commitments we have secured from the government regarding HST rebates for non-profit care providers and hydro costs.
The BC Deputy Minister of Health has contacted health authorities and directed them to ensure "contracted residential care service providers are kept whole with respect to the financial impact of the HST".
This development would not have been possible without this government's support and the commitments of Finance Minister Colin Hansen and Health Minister Kevin Falcon to be accessible and listen to the concerns of care providers. Their support has saved facilities from making significant staff reductions with the implementation of the HST this summer. Their commitment to ongoing accessibility is another demonstration of how renewing our seniors' care partnership in BC can protect quality of care.
BCCPA will be in contact with the Ministry of Health and Health Authorities in the coming weeks to discuss the administration of the government's directive with a view to ensuring a satisfactory and efficient mechanism is in place in time for the July 1, 2010 implementation of the HST. Rest assured we will keep members apprised of our progress.
In the meantime, BCCPA wants to thank all of our members for your ongoing support. Securing HST mitigation for all contracted care providers is a demonstration of how BCCPA can deliver real results for you and your bottom line. We look forward to more progress on other issues in the year ahead.
