Manitoba Tories continue charge against PST hike

Manitoba Tories say more than 4,300 people have shown their opposition to the provincial sales tax hike through a website the party set up.

Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister says the number of people who have used Standupmanitoba.com is proof there is public opposition to the tax increase.

The NDP government raised the sales tax to eight per cent from seven per cent on July 1, and dodged a referendum that is required under the balanced budget law.

The government has said the tax hike is needed to pay for infrastructure projects and preserve front-line services. But Pallister says the government should cut spending instead.

The bill to formalize the tax hike has been held up by Tory stalling tactics, and is expected to come to a vote in December.

There are about 1.2 million people in Manitoba. 4,300 makes up less than one per cent of the province's population.