Today, the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) joined business leaders from across the province to raise concerns about the Government of British Columbia’s decision to expand the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to previously exempt professional services, including accounting, engineering, security, strata management, and commercial real estate services.
“The expansion of the PST to previously exempt professional services will add new fees and administrative burden, at a time when businesses are already managing rising costs. Professional services are not optional extras; they are foundational inputs into housing, infrastructure, and manufacturing, and business operations. When you tax these inputs, the cost flows through the entire system – to builders, entrepreneurs, homeowners, and ultimately, consumers.”
Joslyn Young, CEO
As one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing regions, Surrey and White Rock require rapid delivery of new housing, transportation infrastructure, schools, and healthcare facilities. The PST expansion risks slowing projects already challenged by labour shortages, high interest rates, and rising construction costs.
SWRBOT also acknowledges the province’s investments in public safety but highlights the inconsistency created by imposing a 7% tax on security services, a cost that businesses take on largely in response to rising theft, vandalism, extortion, and property crime. For SMEs, these expenses are not discretionary, but necessary to operate safely.
Additionally, SWRBOT, alongside business associations from across British Columbia, has signed a joint statement that outlines the deep economic impacts of a PST expansion. This statement reflects the shared concerns of organizations representing key pillars of B.C.’s economy.
We call on the provincial government to reassess the full impacts of these measures on affordability, competitiveness, and economic growth. British Columbia needs fiscal discipline that protects the economy, and the businesses that power it.
To read the joint statement issued by business leaders across the province, click here.
To watch the press conference, click here.
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Aman Parmar
604-735-9527 | aman@swrbot.com
