The GST was brought in to remove the hidden 13.5 % manufacturer's tax and the 10% excise tax on goods manufactured here in Canada which were then marked up to the consumer along with the actual cost of the good. This was a good thing for everyone and it flows through to the end user. By the way Chretien campaigned on ridding us of the GST but, once in office and aware of the amount he was going to lose so he could pad his riding he completely re-negged on the idea.