In British Columbia, several business owners are voicing their frustrations regarding a change in the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) implemented in the 2026 budget. Under the new legislation, many professional service providers, including those offering security services, will now be required to charge a previously exempt seven percent PST. This policy shift comes as business owners are already grappling with rising costs associated with safeguarding their establishments against crime and social disorder.

Mary Lou Newbold, owner of the Mayfair Optometric Clinic in downtown Victoria, has articulated the challenges many in the local business community are facing. She has reported that her current security expenses run around $1,000 per month, and the new PST application will likely add an additional $1,000 annually. The sentiment among local business owners reflects a broad anxiety about how to absorb these heightened costs while trying to sustain their operations amidst a challenging economic environment.

As the implementation date of October 1 approaches, business owners are in a difficult position, needing to recalibrate their budgets to accommodate the increased tax burden. The changes may not only strain their finances but could also impact their ability to invest in other areas of their businesses, potentially exacerbating the ongoing issues with crime and social disorder in the area. The criticism directed at the provincial government indicates a growing frustration within the business community over what they perceive as continuous pressure on their operational viability.