Anti-HST crusader Bill Vander Zalm says "reliable sources" have told him B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell is announcing a reduction to the controversial HST this Friday.
Vander Zalm predicted Campbell will announce a one per cent cut to the 12 per cent tax at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention in Whistler, B.C.
The reduction would be followed by another one per cent cut to come after the pending HST referendum.
"That would be good news because it shows another small win for the people," Vander Zalm told ctvbc.ca. "We won't know for sure until tomorrow morning."
The former premier said he was also told Campbell will announce an earlier date for the referendum, which is currently slated for September 2011.
Campbell's office denied any such plans on Thursday morning.
"We had it from a very reliable source, so I don't know. Sometimes these very reliable sources may not be that reliable," Vander Zalm said.
Whether the rumours prove true or not, Vander Zalm said his recall campaign is moving forward full-steam.
"Our fight has been to eliminate the HST, not reduce it" he said. "We're passing off a provincial right to the federal government, which means that Quebec and Ontario are making the decisions in response to a tax in B.C."
"That bothers me and bothers a lot of people."
