The NDP says the harmonized sales tax in B.C. will amount to a new death tax, while also jacking up rents and condo fees.
The New Democrats say the HST will increase the cost of funerals, adding an extra burden on families who are grieving after the death of a loved one.
But Finance Minister Colin Hansen says funeral home operators will get HST rebates on major purchases like hearses and have benefited generally from lower taxes on small businesses.
The NDP also claims the HST will lead to higher rents and condo fees, but Hansen says condo fees will be exempt from the tax and landlords of rental accommodations will face minimal cost increases under the HST.
The death-tax issue emerged during last year's provincial election when a pamphlet circulated in three Vancouver ridings accusing the NDP of proposing a tax on inheritance.
That flyer has become part of an RCMP investigation that led to the resignation of Kash Heed as solicitor general last week, although Heed said he had nothing to do with the pamphlet and his election campaign did not endorse it.
