Grand Forks
Gazette
Your community voice since 1897
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012
VOL 115 NO. 16
❚ New look for schools? page 3 SD51 looking at adding middle school.
The Grand Forks Curling Club was a rockin’
Left: Bassist Mikell Plotnikoff and his band Generation 2.0 were on hand at Sunday evening’s benefit concert at the Grand Forks Curling Club for victims of the Grand Forks Hotel fire. Generation 2.0 performed a number of cover songs, including some from AC/DC. Right: Parents Cheryl (centre) and Mel Plotnikoff watch their son perform. See page 16 for more photos and go to grandforksgazette.ca for video.
CASSANDRA CHIN PHOTOS
❚ BUSINESS
Tax exemption increase worries businesses CASSANDRA CHIN Gazette Reporter
Grand Forks businesses may feel the pinch when the federal government lifts the exemption limit allowing Canadians to bring back more items duty and tax-free. As of June 1, travelers who have been outside of Canada for more than 24 hours, but less than 48, will be able to bring back $200 worth of tax-exempt goods – the limit is currently $50. Canadians travelling outside the country longer than 48 hours will also see the exemption increase from $400 to $800. The exemption for travelers who have been away for more than seven days rises $50 to $800. Limits for alcohol and tobacco remain the same. Dale Best and Sue Thomas, owners of Work ‘n Play on Market Avenue and 2nd Street in Grand Forks, are upset with the
government’s decision. “To think that the Canadian government would do something like that to their own people is disgusting,” stated Best. “Every time they say the Canadian merchants have to sharpen their pencils, well, you’d think the government would take some of the tariffs off. If we could pay closer to the same price, that would be nice.” Best added that two problems are Canadian businesses pay different prices than Americans, and the minimum wage in Canada is higher than in the United States. Thomas added the tariffs are also higher. “We’re not on a level playing field because we have an 18 to 20 per cent tariff on the items that we do have to bring in,” Thomas said. “If no one’s here, what happens to your community? It’ll be a ghost town.” According to the Retail Council of Canada’s website, Canadi-
Dale Best of Work ‘n Play
an retailers can pay upwards of 18 per cent in import duties when compared to American counterparts. Imported goods are also subject to the five per cent federal Goods and Services Tax. According to the federal government, the changes in tax exemptions are an attempt to harmonize the long-unchanged exemption rates with the United States. After 23 years in business, Best and Thomas noted in order to make the business work, they
have to work long hours. That plus increased rent and electricity makes everything more difficult than 10 or 20 years ago. Best pointed out that electricity alone can cost up to $900 per month alone. “I totally understand people going down there to buy their groceries while trying to raise a family because they can’t afford to shop in their home country, it’s pretty sad,” said Best. “Unfortunately most people are looking at a cheaper dollar and not looking at the consequences of a cheaper dollar down the road because we won’t be here.” Leanne Haslam, owner of 4 Little Monkeys Consignment Boutique, agreed and said it’s a catch-22. “As a shopper I think it’s a great idea, but as a business owner, I think it’s a bad idea,” Haslam stated. “Sometimes I think when people can save by
buying cheaper, they can spend more money in their local (businesses) they might not have before, like going to a coffee shop or watching a movie.” Owners for Thistle Pot Gifts, Bree Lockhart and Cheryl Savaia, are also upset. “It’s awful and we could go out of business if they keep this up,” noted Lockhart. “We’re barely making it as is.” Savaia said she first heard about the change in tax exemptions on a report on TV. “They said this could effect border towns but as far as I’m concerned border towns are already affected,” Savaia said. “This makes it much worse. Tons of people already go out to Colville during the weekend to do their shopping.” Grand Forks is located near two border crossings: the Carson/Danville border in the west and the Cascade/Laurier border just before Christina Lake.
Catch the Spirit of the 2012 GFI! The 32nd Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament August 29th - September 3rd 12 teams. 25 games. The Return of the NEW YORK STORM - 2005 GFI Champions! One of the most successful semi-pro teams in the United States! www.grandforksbaseball.com
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