BIABC applauds halt to PST expansion

“Regardless of the motivation, when government listens to legitimate concerns, recognizes that a policy is creating unintended consequences and changes direction, that should be acknowledged. This is the right decision.”

In particular, the BIABC said it has been outspoken on the proposed implementation of PST to security services when businesses are already spending significant amounts of money on security, patrols, monitoring and vandalism prevention.

“We have consistently said that taxing security services was particularly difficult to justify,” said Heighton.

“At a time when businesses are already spending more of their own money to protect employees, customers and storefronts, government was effectively proposing to tax them for trying to keep people safe. We called it a tax on safety because that is exactly how it would have been experienced by businesses.”

Heighton said the decision is especially welcomed by small businesses, which he says have limited ability to absorb additional costs.

The BCABC said the decision should lead to a broader conversation about cumulative cost pressures and how to bolster B.C.’s economic competitiveness.

“If an election is coming, these are exactly the kinds of issues we expect parties and candidates to be talking about,” said Heighton.

“How do we make it easier to operate a business, create jobs and invest in our communities? How do we improve public safety rather than make it more expensive for businesses to provide it themselves? Those conversations should continue regardless of when British Columbians next go to the polls.”

by Elora McCormack

BIABC applauds halt to PST expansion

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