The McGuinty government is encouraging Ontarians to think green and get active. The government is waiving the retail sales tax, more commonly known as the PST, to encourage the purchase of environmentally friendly products and promote a healthier lifestyle.

The PST exemptions have been extended for:

    -   Certain ENERGY STAR(R) appliances and light bulbs; and
    -   Bikes purchased for $1,000 or less and related safety equipment.

    In partnership with the Retail Council of Canada, the government will be launching a promotional campaign for the PST exemptions.

QUOTES

    "We all share an important responsibility to conserve energy, which is why our government is helping people make choices that will benefit their health and the environment while saving people money," said Finance Minister Dwight Duncan (http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/about/min.html). "The extension of the PST exemptions on ENERGY STAR(R) products and bikes will help encourage Ontarians to live greener, healthier lifestyles."

    "What's so great about the ENERGY STAR(R) initiative is it complements many of the incentives our retailers offer to turn in old appliances for more efficient models," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada. "And summer is biking season so it's also a greatopportunity to get a new bike and save the PST."

QUICK FACTS

    -   The point-of-sale PST exemption for certain ENERGY STAR(R) appliances and light bulbs has been
        extended to August 31, 2009. The exemption is expected to provide PST savings of approximately $52 million
        to Ontario consumers in 2008-09.
    -   Eligible products include new ENERGY STAR(R) non-commercial refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes
        washers (including inseparable clothes washer-dryer combinations), freezers, dehumidifiers, room air
        conditioners, light bulbs and decorative light strings.
    -   Replacing older, conventional appliances with an ENERGY STAR(R) product could save hundreds of dollars
        on energy bills.
    -   The point-of-sale PST exemption for bikes purchased for $1,000 or less and related safety equipment has
        been extended to December 31, 2010. The exemption is expected to provide PST savings of
        approximately $16 million to Ontario consumers in 2008-09.

LEARN MORE

    Find out more about PST exemptions for ENERGY STAR(R) appliances and
    light bulbs:
    http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/notices/rst/56.html

    Read about PST exemptions for bicycles:
    http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/notices/rst/61.html

    Learn more about PST:
    http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/taxes/rst/