Carole James, Leader ‘New Democrat Official Opposition Ee snes 4 Partament Suiarge dee Victoria, 86. VE xa eas Na Province of h Columbia Legislative Assembly (Carole James, Leader Official Oppostion September 20, 2010 Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier Province of British Columbia Room 156, West Annex Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Dear Premier Campbell, | am writing to inform you that the New Democrat Official Opposition is prepared to return to the Legislature and amend the Recall and Initiative Act so that British Columbians can vote on the Harmonized Sales Tax as soon as possible. Please find attached a proposed legislative amendment that facilitates this change. The amendment requires government to hold a referendum on an initiative petition within six months of it being referred to the Chief Electoral Officer. This change gives your government the legislative authority to hold the referendum as early as this Fall The reason for my proposal is clear and has been articulated by British Columbians from all walks of life. British Columbia’s economy simply cannot afford the unnecessary uncertainty brought about by the year-long referendum delay. Certainty and stability are important for investor and consumer confidence. Holding a referendum on a major tax initiative one year from now undermines that confidence. | have already heard from many British Columbians who are considering holding off major purchases until the future of the HST is finally established page.../2page 2/...continued 1 ask you: what would you advise a British Columbia family who wonders whether they should buy a new home now or wait until the results of the referendum are known? This is the kind of important economic and financial question that British Columbians, whatever our views on the HST, cannot leave hanging until September 2011. | assure you that the New Democrat caucus is ready to return immediately to the Legislature to make this critical amendment to the Recall and Initiative Act and to hold the referendum on the HST as soon as possible. Sincerely, 4 ene (eae) ‘ fae jamer : Ate hl ie a / Carole James, Leader New Democrat Official Opposition