The federal government is one step closer to putting a temporary pause on GST, after a vote in the house of commons Thursday night. Legislation to exempt a number of items from GST between December 14th and February 15th passed a vote in Ottawa, with support from the liberals and NDP. Among the items included in the proposed exemption are children’s clothing, a number of food items and toys and video game consoles. People in BC will not need to pay the 5 per cent federal GST on qualifying items during the two month period. Speaking with Midcoast Morning, VIU professor of political studies and Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership Michael MacKenzie called the measure “bad in every way.” Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron also spoke with Midcoast Morning about why she supported the measure.