B.C. premier slams the brakes on expanding PST to professional services

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsPolitics B.C. premier slams the brakes on expanding PST to professional services In his speech at the UBCM, David Eby did not commit to waiting to call an election until after local elections are finished on Oct. 17. Author of the article: By Alec Lazenby Published Sep 18, 2026 Last updated 2 hours ago 3 minute read Join the conversation B.C. Premier David Eby addresses the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities in Vancouver on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. PHOTO BY SCOTT MCALPINE /UBCM Article content Premier David Eby drew cheers at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Conference in Vancouver on Friday when he announced his government is suspending its expansion of the provincial sales tax to professional services that was scheduled to take place Oct. 1. Article content Putting off the PST expansion will mean the province won’t receive the $260 million in revenue it expected in 2026-27 through the tax on professional services. That comes at a time when Eby’s government is already projecting a $13.8 billion deficit this fiscal year. Article content Article content Article content The premier also said that his government will spend $75 million to expand three business support programs, including the manufacturing jobs program, which helps manufacturers build their operations and create more employment. Article content Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “We’re hearing from businesses that are facing bans on their products to one of their major customers in the United States, that are facing incredibly elevated tariffs right now, and they have asked us to do what we can to support them, to give them the breathing room that they need to find other customers and diversify to other markets,” said Eby. Article content The move to halt the PST expansion was welcomed by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, which said the pause will help improve affordability for employers, entrepreneurs and households. Article content Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Board of Trade, said she will keep working to ensure the pause becomes permanent. Article content “Through our Stop the Squeeze campaign, Board of Trade members and local…