This clause would add GST or HST to certain non-profit health care facilities on their non-health care operation. An example the government has given us is a seniors' residential complex operated by a non-profit health care facility. Under clause 96, the residential services would be subject to HST or GST.
The government argues that this clause simply matches the existing law, in which case it is redundant and will have no effect.
But if, on the other hand, clause 96 is to have an effect, that effect will be to raise the cost of living or reduce services for seniors who live in these residential complexes. Alternatively, the non-profit health care operator could absorb the GST or HST, which would mean they would have to cut services elsewhere.
We can't support this clause, which at best is redundant and at worst will raise costs or cut services to seniors.