Fight HST pin.Lyle Stafford for the Globe and Mail
Christy Clark has set the date for B.C.'s referendum on the HST for June 24.
B.C.'s new premier-designate made the announcement following a meeting with Stockwell Day, Ottawa's senior minister in the province. The two are promising a co-operative relationship going forward on all issues, including the fate of the harmonized sales tax.
Mr. Day said there are a variety of things that can happen to an HST "depending on what provinces decide to do," but told reporters, following the meeting Friday, that it's premature to be more specific.
Ms. Clark said B.C. is far from a "Plan B" on the HST should it be defeated by B.C. voters.
Ms. Clark was elected BC Liberal leader on Feb. 26. Although Prime Minister Stephen Harper called to congratulate her that night, Friday's meeting marked the premier-designate's first face-to-face talks with a senior federal representative.
Mr. Day mentioned natural resources, the economy, Asia-Pacific matter, ports and the border as issues on the table for the meeting.
"We happened to cover a fair bit of ground - not in huge detail on every item, but certainly the things we have in common," Mr. Day said.
He noted that Prime Minister Harper said he would welcome a meeting with Ms. Clark whenever her schedule allows.
"Working with our partners in Canada, at the federal level, is our number-one absolute priority," said Ms. Clark.
Ian Bailey