Province's plans for PST authority to communities hosting events subject of note for Skeena MLA in Wednesday debate

MLA Ellis Ross spoke to the topic of amendments to Bill 42 and how
it may impact on municipalities and First Nation governments.

A plan put forward by the Provincial Government that would see sone financial relief delivered to communities that host International events was the topic of debate in the BC Legislature on Wednesday, as MLA's prepared to wind down the discussion on Bill 42.

The amendments it seems is designed to lessen the burden and make for a revenue provider for municipal and regional governments that are hosting international events such as the Olympics, FIFA Soccer and others that bring out of country visitors to their community.

This bill amends the Provincial Sales Tax Act to authorize an additional major events municipal and regional district tax on sales of short-term accommodation. This tax will be separate from the current municipal and regional district tax, also known as the MRDT. It applies, currently, in over 60 areas throughout British Columbia. 

The amendments provide that an additional major events MRDT of up to 2½ percent can be imposed upon request in a designated area where the Minister of Finance is satisfied that an event is a major international tourism event of provincial significance in or near the area. 

In addition, a designated recipient of the additional major events MRDT must enter into an agreement with the minister responsible for the Tourism Act. The tax will apply temporarily in the area, and the revenues will be dedicated to paying for the costs of planning, staging and hosting the major international tourism event. -- Finance Minister Selina Robinson introducing Second Reading of Bill 42, the Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act 2022

Among those taking part in Wednesday's review of the amendment to the Legislation was Skeena Liberal MLA Ellis Ross, who like many of the Opposition members had a range of questions towards the legislation and its impact on communities and First Nations.

It's my honour to get up and speak to Bill 42, the Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act. Really, at first glance of this, it is something that speaks to what has been important in my political career since 2004, and that's economic development for British Columbians, for Canadians and especially for First Nations in this day and age. 

From 2004 to 2017, the economy and the inclusion of First Nations in the economy is what's actually turned things around for my community and my members in my community and my band council. It's been 180 degrees. So we're no longer talking about poverty or the Indian Act, mainly because we got included in the economy — and especially under the principles of section 35 and the pursuant case law. 

But in respect of what I've listened to my colleagues talk about in terms of the process that's in place for the B.C. Legislature, in the context of what we do down here as MLAs, it relates to the debates that we have on all the bills in this House. I do like to use my time, here in the Legislature as well as back home, to try and educate people in terms of the process and what we're doing down here, because it's quite complicated. 

For new MLAs, it takes at least a year or two years just to find the bathroom, let alone try to figure out the process. So really, for all the people watching at home, this is second reading of Bill 42, the Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act. First reading is more or less just an announcement to announce that yes, this is what we're going to be talking about. 

But second reading, mainly, is an opportunity for every MLA in this Legislature to get up and speak, up to half an hour, on what they think about a bill that's actually being presented.

Towards his talking points, the Skeena MLA used the example of the Prince Rupert All Native Basketball Tournament in his quest for a better understanding of what the province is proposing and what it may take for a community to qualify.

Something that he believes could be explored further if the NDP Government and Legislature allowed for more time.

I'll give you another example, the All-Native in Prince Rupert, one of the biggest Aboriginal tournaments in B.C. It's been around for over 35 years. My father played in it. I played in it. I'm actually in the hall of fame. 

I had to put that in there, for vanity sake, Mr. Speaker. Sorry about that. Can we strike that from the record? Any other basketball players in here? No other basketball players? I digress. Sorry about that.

"The All-Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert actually has international components. Basketball players come from Alaska. They come from Hydaburgh. They come from Neah Bay, just south of the border. In fact, the last time I played we had players coming from places like Indiana. 

Does this define an international event? We could've debated that."  

The Skeena MLA and other Opposition MLA's were making note of the plans to suspend the Legislature session after today for two weeks, before returning for a short period of time for an introduction of sorts to the legislature for the incoming Premier Designate David Eby

Mr. Eby will be taking his oath of office  on November 18th with the Legislature to resume proceedings November 21st for just a few housekeeping sessions before they depart for the Winter Break.

The full debate towards Bill 42 can be reviewed from the Legislature Hansard Archive and Video Archive.

The contribution from the Skeena MLA starts at the 5:45 PM mark.

More notes on the Legislation can be reviewed here.

A wider overview of the work, of the three Northwest MLA's at the Legislature is available here.