Dalton McGuinty’s harmonized sales tax will hike the price of an array of holiday purchases – including the family Christmas tree, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath reminded Ontarians today.

“The premier is delivering a lump of coal to families across the province who are already worried about their holiday bills during these tough economic times,” Horwath said.

“The HST will only make purchases during the festive season more expensive, from a holiday haircut to the family Christmas tree.”

The NDP Leader today joined Erika Westcott, executive director of the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario, at a Christmas tree lot in Toronto.

Horwath noted the HST won’t just apply to the home heating bill and gas for the car, but also seasonal expenses like stamps to mail a holiday greeting card, admission to the local skating rink and the Christmas tree that thousands of Ontarians look forward to bringing home each year.

“The holidays should be about spending time with friends and family, not worrying about bigger bills,” Horwath said. “Dalton McGuinty should drop his plans for the HST instead of imposing a new tax on the holidays.”