July 28, 2009 – Retail Council of Canada (RCC) applauds the British
Columbia government for taking steps to harmonize the provincial sales
tax (PST) with the federal Goods and Services tax (GST).
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) applauds the British Columbia government
for taking the bold step to harmonize the provincial sales tax (PST)
with the federal Goods and Services tax (GST). RCC believes that tax
harmonization will decrease the administrative burden on retailers in
the province, allowing them to be more competitive.
"Harmonization will result in a simpler and more efficient tax system
for B.C. businesses," said Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO of the
Retail Council of Canada. "This will help smaller retailers in
particular, who find administering two separate tax systems difficult
and costly."
Retail Council of Canada is also encouraged that the government has
used offsets to reduce the burden on consumers by introducing a sales
tax rebate and base exemptions – in particular those relating to
children's clothing, footwear, gasoline, books and others.
"We will continue to work cooperatively with both the provincial and
federal governments to ensure smooth implementation of the harmonized
tax," Brisebois added. "Harmonization is a major step toward improving
B.C.'s economy and encouraging new investment."
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