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Premier's response to PST expansion shows a government that is increasingly out of touch

Premier Keeps Dismissing Businesses as PST Backlash Grows

Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation & AI Gavin Dew says Premier David Eby’s response to growing backlash over his $500-million a year PST expansion shows a government that is increasingly out of touch with working families, small businesses, and taxpayers across British Columbia.

Last Friday at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the Premier brushed off reports of companies and jobs leaving BC, dismissing the legitimate concerns of frustrated businesses.

This morning, fifteen major business organizations held a joint news conference warning the PST hike will raise housing costs, increase rents, punish small businesses trying to keep their stores safe, and further weaken investment confidence in British Columbia.

“When fifteen major organizations coordinate a public warning, that’s a serious signal about where our economy is headed,” said Dew. “The economic alarms are going full blast, but David Eby has earplugs in.”

Budget 2026 expands the PST to professional services including accounting, engineering, architectural work, security services, and property management, which will drive up costs on the very services needed to build homes, protect storefronts, and keep local businesses operating.

“These costs don’t magically disappear,” said Dew. “They get passed on to first-time home buyers, to renters, to customers, to families already stretched to the breaking point.”

“At a time of rising crime, stalled housing projects, and economic uncertainty, this government is shaking down British Columbians and putting their boot on the throat of small business, all while running a record $13.3-billion deficit.”

Dew said dismissing these warnings sends the wrong signal to workers, families, and investors alike.

“David Eby dismissed employers. He dismissed job losses. He dismissed the warning signs,” said Dew. “British Columbians deserve a government that listens before more jobs and opportunities leave our province.”

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