BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson says he’ll eliminate PST for a year if elected

The BC Liberal Party will scrap the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) for one full year if they are elected on Oct. 24, party leader Andrew Wilkinson said on Monday.

“British Columbians have lost confidence in the direction of the province and the weak economic record of the NDP,” said Wilkinson. “BC families and small businesses need help now.”

Wilkinson says that eliminating the tax will give people a “spring in their step,” as many continue to try and get back to work.

As part of the first big policy announcement of any party so far in this campaign, Wilkinson said that the PST would be brought back after one year, but at a reduced rate of three per cent. The PST currently sits at seven per cent.

The BC Liberal leader estimates that with this proposal, a family of four earning $60,000 per parent will save $1,714 in the first year and an additional $979 in the second year following the amendments.

“It gives people a chance to get ahead,” said Wilkinson. “It gives people a chance to go out and do the things they want to. That’s what we want to do right here in B.C.”

In the budget forecast for 2020-2021, the Province estimates a nearly $13 billion deficit as a result of COVID-19. The sales tax brought in an estimated $7.6 billion in revenue last fiscal year, according to the Province’s numbers as well. During Wilkinson’s announcement on Monday, he indicated that a balanced budget is less of a priority in the near future, highlighting that there will be deficit spending for years to come.

“Everybody pays the PST, so everybody saves under the BC Liberal plan,” concluded Wilkinson. “Eliminating PST puts more money in people’s pockets, stimulates growth for struggling small business, and helps British Columbians who are struggling to get by.”

British Columbians will be heading to the polls on Oct. 24. You can see a list of candidates here. 

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