B.C. Conservatives promise three-year PST exemption on business machinery and tools
Leader Lorne Doerkson, campaigning in Surrey, promised capital-project approvals within 120 days and a 'two-out, one-in' regulation rule if elected.
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Lorne Doerkson, the Conservative Party of B.C. leader, promised a three-year exemption from provincial sales tax on business investments in machinery, tools, and software while campaigning in Surrey on Wednesday, October 7, at Crown Building Supplies in Newton.
Doerkson, who was born and raised in Surrey, also pledged that major new capital projects would receive approval within 120 days or less if he is elected. He promised to pass a law requiring the elimination of two regulations for every new regulation introduced, with the goal of reducing the regulatory burden back to 2017 levels by the end of a first term.
"If elected, by the end of our first term we will have eliminated the damage done by David Eby and the NDP and return the regulatory burden back to 2017 levels," Doerkson said.
His campaign appearance came as the NDP government has raised taxes more than 40 times, with $1.3 billion in new taxes announced during this campaign. Doerkson criticized the snap election called by Premier David Eby, noting the last provincial election cost approximately $83 million. "There was no need for this election," Doerkson said.
Gary Sangha, owner of Crown Building Supplies, spoke at the event about the climbing costs, taxes, permits, and red tape affecting businesses. The provincial election is set for October 24.
What businesses qualify for the PST exemption, and are there revenue or size thresholds?
How much tax revenue would the province lose annually from a three-year PST holiday, and how would it be replaced?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What tax exemption did Lorne Doerkson promise on business purchases?
Lorne Doerkson promised a three-year exemption from provincial sales tax on business investments in machinery, tools, and software.
How quickly would major capital projects be approved under Doerkson's plan?
Major new capital projects would receive approval within 120 days or less if Doerkson is elected.
What is Doerkson's 'two-out, one-in' regulation rule?
The rule requires the elimination of two regulations for every new regulation introduced, with the goal of reducing the regulatory burden back to 2017 levels by the end of a first term.
When is the British Columbia provincial election?
The provincial election is set for October 24.
