BC Liberal Leader asks Horgan to pause PST, employer health tax

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As everyone is trying to making it through the COVID-19 crisis, the BC Liberals have sent a letter to the province with their suggestions.

Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson says while he supports many actions the province has made so far, there is more they can do.

“We’re suggesting a comprehensive program rent relief, PST relief and so that companies and employers can continue to employ people,” he says.

Wilkinson says there should be a pause on PST and employer health tax – at least for now.

Stating support province moves so far combating #covid19 for health & economy, the @bcliberals also asking for things in place – like pandemic & PPE procurement plans & new things like pausing PST, Employer & Hotel taxes & commerical renter evictions protection#bcpoli @news1130 pic.twitter.com/t1YHxj29Ob

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 5, 2020

The employer health tax that replaced MSP has been a target for the liberals since the beginning.

Wilkinson also says the federal commercial rent relief isn’t giving the break expected.

“We’re hearing from quite a lot of small businesses that their landlords are not interested in participating in that federal program,” he says.

“There needs to be a provincial hand in making sure businesses keep going,” he says.

Wilkinson suggests looking at the Australian models of businesses.

“Commercial tenants would pay in the same proportion as the revenue that had been sustained so if your revenue was 30 per cent of previous, you would pay 30 per cent of your rent.”

These recommendations to the province come a day before the premier will announce B.C.’s plan to get back to business in a new way.