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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