'PST Tuesday' Public Awarenesss Program

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^{PST Tax Changeover April 1, 2013}

Vancouver, March 18, 2013 – With only 2 weeks left until British Columbia transitions back to the Provincial Sales Tax (PST), several groups representing BC's small business community are raising public awareness about the change through media and social media networks. The Canadian Federation of Business (CFIB) – backed by the BC Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Board of Trade – is coordinating “PST Tuesday” for March 19th in an effort to remind business owners not to leave PST registration until the last minute.

“We have recently contacted many of our members, and the good news is the vast majority of them have already registered for the new PST tax,” says CFIB BC Director of Provincial Affairs Mike Klassen. “The fact that every business has not registered for the PST tax yet is concerning, however. PST Tuesday is our way to help everyone get to finish line before April 1st.”

During PST Tuesday CFIB is inviting Twitter users onboard by “hashtagging” tweets with #PST and #smallbiz. “Many business owners are on social media – as are their customers,” says Klassen. “Talking up PST today can prevent stress down the road for small business operators.”

“The BC government is grateful to CFIB, BC Chamber of Commerce and the Vancouver Board of Trade for their efforts in getting the word out with PST Tuesday,” says Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto. “April 1st is almost here, and we don’t want small business operators waiting until the last moment. They need to register as soon as possible – preferably by going online today.”

“BC Chamber of Commerce has engaged with communities across the province through PST transition seminars,” says President & CEO John Winter. “These events have been highly successful, however we know that there are still many businesses that have not registered. We're backing 'PST Tuesday' and encourage BC businesses to register before the April 1st deadline.”

“The Vancouver Board of Trade supports the ‘PST Tuesday’ public awareness campaign,” says Board President and CEO Iain Black. “While information has been circulated for some time now, it is clear that some extra encouragement is needed to get those businesses who’ve not yet registered to take action immediately. They should spend a few moments now to avoid a last-minute rush.”

Minister Yamamoto adds, “Registering for the PST is quick and easy, and we’re providing webinars and seminars to help businesses get up to speed. They can find all the information they need at www.gov.bc.ca/pst.”