We, the undersigned, call on the British Columbia New Democratic Party government to reverse the decision to impose a new 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on business services, scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026.

 
🚨 THE ISSUE
❗ A new 7% PST on essential business services will raise operating costs immediately.
❗ Businesses in BC are already facing high rent, wages, insurance, borrowing costs, and taxes.
❗ The BC, Canadian, and global economy are weak and uncertain, with unstable political and economic conditions worldwide.
❗ Many small businesses have already shut down due to unsustainable operating expenses.
❗ Hard-working families and middle-class professionals are struggling, with growing reliance on food banks across Canada.
This is the worst possible time to introduce new taxes on business activity.

 
🏪 WHY THIS MATTERS
Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and economy:

They create local jobs.
They support families and neighbourhoods.
They drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth.
They are still recovering from COVID-19 and years of rising costs.
Adding a new PST on services will:

📉 Reduce already-thin profit margins and cash flow
📉 Force cuts to hiring, wages, and investment
📉 Increase administrative burden and compliance costs
📉 Make BC less competitive for entrepreneurs and investment
📉 Require business owners to pay and manage more PST, further straining operations
This policy risks slowing — or even damaging — our economic recovery.

 
📊 WHAT BUSINESS OWNERS ARE SAYING
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB):

Over 70% of small businesses in BC oppose the new PST on services.
Many expect to cut innovation, staffing, and expansion just to survive the added cost.
This is a direct threat to economic stability, not a theoretical concern.

 
💼 WHO IS AFFECTED?
Startups and entrepreneurs
Family-owned and community businesses
Professional service firms and trades
Retailers and local employers
Businesses relying on consulting, marketing, digital, accounting, and advisory services
In reality — this affects nearly every small business in BC.

 
🎯 OUR DEMAND
We call on the BC government to:

✅ Immediately cancel and reverse the 7% PST on business services.
✅ Consult meaningfully with small business owners and industry groups.
✅ Prioritize economic recovery, affordability, and job creation instead of new tax burdens.
 
🤝 TAKE ACTION
By signing this petition, you:

Stand with small businesses and working families.
Support a strong, competitive, and growing economy.
Send a clear message that now is not the time for new business taxes.
📢 Small businesses are struggling.
📢 Families are under pressure.
📢 Our economy cannot afford this tax.

Reverse the 7% PST on business services.
Sign the petition today.