Manitobans rush to make purchases ahead of PST hike

Manitobans will pay more provincial sales tax on nearly every item they buy after the long weekend is over.

The controversial hike takes effect July 1, bringing the PST up to eight per cent in the province.

That has some shoppers rushing out to buy before the hike kicks in.

Dwight Hildebrandt was one of them. He bought a new truck this weekend. He said he saved about $300 buying it before the July 1 hike.

"I prefer having that money in my pocket," he said.

Thursday night, Hildebrandt was one of many people who spoke at a public hearing on the hike.He voiced his concerns alongside other Manitobans and political figures who are unhappy with the increase.

"I know its not going to make a change or make a different, but I felt that it was important to voice my opinion," he said.

And Hildebrandt was right. Despite a chorus of opposition at the hearing, provincial officials plan to go ahead with the tax increase.

The provincial government has sent out notices to businesses across Manitoba saying "vendors are expected to charge and collect at the new rate July 1."

But some retailers say without a word like must or required the message is confusing.

"The details that Ive read are so wishy-washy, theres no real cut and dry," said Don Carson, who owns Krevco Lifestyles, a Manitoba retailer that sells pools and other products.

On Friday, a provincial spokesperson issued a clarification to CBC, saying all retailers are indeed required to charge the PST July 1.

The Selinger government has said all proceeds from the hike will go to fund infrastructure across the province.