VICTORIA — B.C.’s tourism industry has asked the government to delay the implementation of a 12 per cent harmonized sales tax set to begin next year.

Saying the tax will in essence add a seven per cent cost to the industry and amounts to a kick in the teeth, Randy Wright, chairman of the board of Tourism Victoria, said the industry needs to get back on its feet before it can weather that kind of hit.

“I’m asking government to give us some time,” he told a meeting of Tourism Victoria members. “We’re collateral damage in the tourism sector, and we need the government to understand that a little percentage makes a difference.”

The tourism industry, which has largely been exempt from the seven per cent provincial sales tax, said the HST — which combines the PST with the five per cent goods and services tax — could cripple the industry if implemented as planned July 1.

Jim Storie, chairman of the Council of Tourism Associations, said the industry should present their concerns to the government while working with them to ensure a smooth transition.

“The (HST) is going to happen. Our task is now to work on what’s next and where we go from here,” he said. “The train has left the station so we can either throw stones at it or we can jump aboard and try to help drive it, and we’re trying to help drive it at this point in time.”
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

[Canada.com]