Saskatchewan United in Opposition to Insurance Tax Hike

73% Oppose New Tax, 77% View it as "Unfair"

REGINA, Sept. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - An overwhelming majority of Saskatchewan voters oppose the government's decision to add PST to a range of insurance products, according to a poll conducted by Maple Leaf Strategies.

The poll conducted from August 3-6, 2017 paints a stark picture for the Saskatchewan government, with even its own base of support rejecting the changes.

• 73% oppose or strongly oppose taxing insurance.
• 77% say taxing insurance is "unfair".
• 73% say it will cause individuals to reduce or cancel their insurance coverage.
• 65% of Saskatchewan Party voters oppose or strongly oppose taxing insurance.
• 47% of Undecided voters say changes make them less likely to vote for the Saskatchewan Party.

"Opposition to taxing insurance crosses every demographic and political category. Moreover, there is a high level of awareness of this issue among the electorate," stated pollster Dimitri Pantazopoulos.

"Aside from the unpopularity of this tax, it could lead to serious problems for the government if people start reducing or canceling their insurance," said Dean Owen, Saskatchewan based Advocis member.  "If those people have an accident and are not covered for risks they will ultimately end up at the government's door – meaning higher costs in the end for taxpayers."

"People use insurance as a way to protect their family's financial future in the event of an accident, illness or loss of life.  They also use insurance as a way to save," said Greg Pollock, President and CEO of Advocis.  "Taxing savings makes no sense.  It puts the financial future of families at risk."

This poll was conducted by telephone on behalf of Advocis by Maple Leaf Strategies from August 3-6.  The sample size was 600 and margin of error is +/- 4%.

About Advocis: Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the association of choice for financial advisors and planners. With more than 13,000 members in 40 chapters across the country, Advocis is the definitive voice of the profession, advocating for professionalism and consumer protection.

SOURCE Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada

please contact: Caron Czorny, Interim Director, Corporate Communications & Marketing, Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, [phone], [email protected], www.advocis.ca