Effective July 1, 2010, Ontario will implement a new tax that will apply to Homeopathic Medicines & services, natural health products and a vast range of complementary and alternative therapies. Natural health advocates say the harmonized sales tax will punish people who practice and promote preventive well-being.


The harmonized sales tax (HST) will combine the provincial, or retail, sales tax (which is 8 percent in Ontario) with the 5 percent federal goods and services tax (GST). This will result in an overall tax of 13 percent in Ontario. The HST will apply to natural health-related goods and services previously covered by the GST but not the PST, including Homeopathy and Natural Health products such as vitamins, supplements, and herbs. This means a potential 7 or 8 percent price increase at the retail level. Consumers are sure to feel the pinch.


The increase will also apply to certain complementary treatments such as Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture and shiatsu, and homeopathy. Some health services, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and psychological care are already GST exempt which means they will be HST free.


The Homeopathy Profession which is under regulation will have a greater impact of HST –both on homeopathic services provided by homeopaths and their clients. Despite the fact that the Homeopathy medicines are regulated by Health Canada and the Government does not impose HST on regulated Medicines then why levying Tax on Homeopathic medicines and services. It amounts to be a double standard and the Homeopaths and Homeopathic Associations must take the issue with the Government at Provincial level and Federal level.



Stop the HST on Homeopathy
If you want to let the government know how you feel about the proposed HST on Homeopathy Services,email your elected representative.
In Ontario

Contact your member of provincial Parliament (MPP) at: www.ontla.on.ca
Federally
Contact your member of Parliament (MP) at: webinfo.parl.gc.ca