FREDERICTON - New Brunswick Premier David Alward says he has always been open to considering an increase in the harmonized sales tax, but only if there were a groundswell of public demand for it.
Alward was quoted Wednesday as saying he would "never say no" to the possibility of raising the HST if many people in the province wanted that done.
On Thursday, the Conservative premier said that is a position he has long had.
"What I said yesterday was absolutely no different than what I've said in the past," he said.
"I have no intention of moving forward with the HST increase ... if there was a mass undertaking by New Brunswickers to say that they believe that's the responsible direction to go, then I think we would have a responsibility to consider."
Alward was elected last fall on a promise not to increase the HST, a commitment he made repeatedly before and after the Sept. 27 vote.
"Unlike the Shawn Graham Liberals, who refuse to directly promise not to raise the HST after the election, David Alward has committed publicly that his government will not raise the HST," the Tories said in their election platform.
Alward said Thursday that a number of business groups have suggested increasing the HST, but he hasn't heard the same call from other New Brunswickers.
"Quite frankly, my concern with the HST increase is that the people who will be most impacted are the people that can least afford it," he said.
Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau said Alward seems to be trying to fabricate a reason to increase the tax and break an election promise.
Alward and Finance Minister Blaine Higgs have been travelling throughout the province on a pre-budget tour seeking suggestions for how to tackle a projected $820 million deficit.
