Turning up the heat on big government

New Brunswick lawyer fighting for taxpayers

As a blogger, taxpayer and citizen who was unequivocally disgusted by the amount of taxes unilaterally invoked by the current Liberal government, I was glad to see that Yassin Choukri has taken matters into his own hands wherein he's now demanding [via a possible class action lawsuit] that the energy tax rebate be returned to it's rightful place, that being, [you] the taxpayer.

Fredericton lawyer Yassin Choukri, a former assistant attorney general under the previous Conservative government, said he is waiting until the end of June when new legislation comes into effect that will make it easier to proceed with class actions in New Brunswick. Choukri said he has already served notice to the provincial Liberal government that he will file the action on behalf of New Brunswick energy consumers.

The Conservative government established a program last year to rebate the eight per cent provincial portion of the HST on home-heating bills.

But the recently elected Liberal government refuses to honour the rebate program, saying the province can't afford it.

Choukri said that until the current government cancels the program or a court says it cannot go ahead, the rebate order remains in effect and people should hang onto their bills for a possible refund in the future.

In congruence with Mr. Choukri efforts, New Brunswick Taxpayer is calling on the premier of New Brunswick to return the energy tax rebate back to its rightful owner, the taxpayers of New Brunswick.

As well, we recommend that you, the taxpayer, support this effort by getting involved. Though it is a risky venture, this lawsuit has considerable potential and is rich with opportunity: compensation for your losses and an important message to the government that citizens and taxpayers will no longer sit idly by and be held hostage by their undemocratic and unilateral decisions. Unless we are bold in stepping forward today, history will continue to repeat itself in this province. We elected a government in New Brunswick to represent the interest of all its citizens, not to impose unfair taxes against their will.

Stand up and take action today: Send NB Premier Shawn Graham a message to honour the tax rebate.