The federal Finance Department is proposing to soften part of the 2013 budget and exempt hospital parking fees from the GST or HST.

Last year's budget ended a special tax break on parking fees at public institutions where the parking lot was run by a non-profit partner.

The government said the change was intended to ensure consistent tax treatment.

Now, however, Finance is proposing a new loophole for parking fees paid by hospital patients and visitors.

It will go ahead with amendments to eliminate the tax exemption for parking provided by a charity set up or used by a municipality, university, public college or school.

The department says it will accept public comments on the proposal until Feb. 24.