shipped out some parts to ontario via post office. guess what you have to pay hst from alberta to a hst province, ontario and bc because of finally destination. they always have there hand in your back pocket.
So in BC before you were paying 5% GST and 5 or 7% PST. Not sure what the PST rate is. But now you are paying 12% HST. Doesn't this work out to be the same if you were paying 5% GST and 7% PST. I just spent 10 days in the Sparwood/ Fernie area camping, quadding. The prices were some what higher but the population in the area creates that. Yes fuel was stupidly expensive. So the next question is, Is it worth driving 2 hours to Lethbridge do do your shopping, add in fuel, meals, wear and tear, end up staying overnight. It probably is because like the rest of us you want to get out of the house and a road trip is always good. :d
Sorry not to burn a bridge here. I didn't realize that the taxes no went onto some of the things you said. And yes it kinda sucks when there is no Wal-mart, home depot, costco. But on the other hand you have beautiful views of the mountains, clear rivers and streams and even trees. Out in Medicine Hat we have got flat land that goes on for miles (I can still see that hitchhiker) our river is dirty and the trees well they are few and far between compared to what you have. If I could get my way and not the wifes I would move back to Sparwood tomorrow. (Lived there from 1974-1992). :d