Dear Petition Signers and BC Cycling Activists,
- Many of you have recently received an email from me via Facebook but I want to make sure you all get this.
- I’m very happy to write that today the petition reached 1800 online signatures and about another 350 have been faxed in! Dozens of new signatures are coming in daily.
- I’m even more excited to tell you that we are planning a big rally on Wednesday March 3, 12pm, at the Legislature.
- Both Finance Minister Colin Hansen and Minister of Small Business Iain Black declined to meet with me to discuss their plans to increase taxes on cycling: I need your help to get their attention.
- Let's fill the Legislature grounds with cyclists and show this government there will be a political price to pay if they ram through a new tax on cycling!
- The next session of the BC Legislature will begin the 1st week of March. I believe the government will likely try to rush the HST into law this spring. They promised to implement it by July.
- As you know, if it passes as is, you will be paying 7% more tax on a bicycle purchased in BC. This is more tax than you have paid in almost 30 years. You’ll also have to pay 7% more for stuff like helmets and locks, as well as paying 7% more for repairs.
- The Liberal Government has got its head in the sand. Cycling is a healthy and sustainable transportation choice and should be encouraged, not punished with new taxes. Cycling is excellent physical activity: it helps you stay in good shape. That saves everyone healthcare dollars. And cycling is good for the environment.
- Approximately 40% of emissions in BC come from transportation. Global warming is a crisis: creating disincentives for cycling is unacceptable! It is not too late for them to correct this mistake.
- It is critical the BC Government hears from all of you!
- And 1000 bikes on the lawn of the legislature will get this government's attention!
- March 3rd will also be the day that I will present the petition to the Legislature. We’ve got more than 2000 signatures, but I want to increase that tenfold before the rally! I know most of you have already signed and promoted the petition but please keep it up! The petition is at www.squeakywheels.ca
- My hope is that bike shops, cycling associations and cycling enthusiasts all over BC will help me organize a critical mass at the legislature on Wednesday March 3.
- Please contact me at lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca or 250 479 4154 if you can help.
- Thank you! We’re doing up posters, handbills and buttons and I can get those to you shortly if you want to help.
Visit the facebook event page to RSVP and network.
Thanks!
Lana
Lana Popham, MLA
lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca
