What exactly did you win?
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As a recent longstanding resident of B.C., this was one of those extremely rare political cases where the win was a matter of principle, rather than merely economics.
Gordon Campbell (former premier, since ousted) promised loudly during his election campaign that he would never institute the HST. People believed him and voted for him, shortly after which his government brought in the HST.
Although the HST, it is true, wasn't any higher than the combined PST and GST, there were big problems with it, from the public's point of view: (a) Campbell had lied; (b) the changeover was costly and time-consuming for many businesses, as entire accounting systems had to be revamped; (c) many exemptions that people had got used to and were important to many, would disappear; and (d) people feared that once the taxes were blended it would be easy for the provincial government to increase the rate without further ado (which is what has happened in other provinces, my current home of Nova Scotia included).
The people were furious, the press shredded Campbell like so many ferocious hyenas, and his party turned on him. Ultimately Campbell made a rather ignominous retreat, with a disingenuous claim of "retirement" from public office that fooled nobody. Quite an entertaining time was had by all.
Christy Clark (I can never recall how to spell her name) promised to turn the HST clock back, has now done so - doubtless in the hope of being re-elected, although also doubtless at a huge cost to the provincial treasury, not to mention all those businesses who now have to change their computerized accounting systems again. But -- the people are vindicated. So, yes, I can understand those in B.C. feeling they've won a victory, even if Pyrrhic and fleeting.
It's funny -- the populace forgave Campbell for his drunken Hawaiian embarrassment, complete with mug shot, but they couldn't forgive him this lie.
