British Columbia Starts Process to Pass HST Legislation
On March 30, 2010, the Government of British Columbia tabled Bill 9-2010, which is legislation to implement harmonized sales tax (HST) into B.C. law and wind down the British Columbia social services tax (BCSST) and hotel room tax. The HST implementing legislation is called the Consumption Tax Rebate and Transition Act. The Government of British Columbia also issue a press release at the time the Bill was tabled in the Legislature.
The HST rate for the province of British Columbia will be 12%. HST will come into effect on July 1, 2010.
The Consumption Tax Rebate and Transition Act eliminates the seven-per cent BCSST and introduces HST-related measures designed to mitigate the impacts of the HST on persons in British Columbia.
It is expected that the legislation will be passed in due course. This is a necessary step in the process.
Cyndee Todgham Cherniak is counsel to and in affiliation with the International Trade Law and the Tax Law (Commodity Tax
