B.C. pausing controversial PST expansion to professional services amidst trade uncertainty
The pause will keep exemptions in place for accounting, engineering and other services, saving people, local governments and businesses about $260 million next year.
- The Province announced on Friday that it is pausing the planned expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax to professional services, originally set to take effect on Oct. 1.
- Premier David Eby stated the move responds to economic uncertainty from the United States, providing businesses with "breathing room" as tariffs and trade disruptions mount.
- Pausing the PST expansion will save businesses and local governments approximately $260 million while maintaining exemptions for accounting, engineering, architectural, and security services.
- The decision follows an emergency motion Thursday from the Union of B.C. Municipalities urging delay; speculation of a snap election intensified after Eby hired Cheryl Oates as campaign manager.
- Chris Gardner, CEO of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association , previously attacked the tax as a "hidden construction tax," while the government also pledged recently to build future ferries locally.
19 Articles
19 Articles
B.C. Premier David Eby pauses PST expansion, adds $90M tariff relief package
B.C. Premier David Eby announced Friday his government is temporarily backtracking on the expansion of the provincial sales tax (PST) on professional services 'until the trade war is over.' At the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities conference in Vancouver, Eby announced the pause after numerous jurisdi...
B.C. premier slams the brakes on expanding PST to professional services
Premier David Eby drew cheers at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Conference in Vancouver on Friday when he announced his government is suspending the expansion of the provincial sales tax to professional services that was scheduled to take place Oct. 1.
B.C. government delays controversial PST expansion
In a move that will certainly add fuel to the flames of snap election speculation, the B.C. government announced Friday that it is delaying the implementation of its controversial expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
