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Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke calls for province to suspend gas tax, PST

'A gas tax cut will help alleviate the crushing financial burden on our businesses and residents': mayor
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Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is calling on the province to suspend the gas tax and PST in light of potential U.S tariffs that have been announced. (Black Press file photo)

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke issued an urgent appeal to the province Sunday (Feb. 2), calling for an immediate suspension of the gas tax and PST on all B.C.-made goods in light of potential U.S. tariffs.

"Today, I am calling on Premier David Eby to immediately cut the gas tax, suspend PST on B.C.-made goods and review all other provincial relief measures to address the economic pressures from incoming U.S. tariffs," Locke said in a release. "These tariffs will have devastating impacts on families and businesses across Surrey and B.C. and immediate relief is essential. A gas tax cut will help alleviate the crushing financial burden on our businesses and residents, ensuring that families can continue to thrive in our community."

She recognized Eby's statements condemning the tariffs and noted the steps he has taken, such as halting selected American liquor imports, and noted his concerns regarding "our longstanding softwood lumber dispute, where entire communities depend on a stable forestry sector."

"I thank Mr. Eby for his efforts so far to safeguard the economic interests of British Columbia and working diligently in the provincial interest, in collaboration with our federal government," she said.

"However, British Columbia is home to some of the highest taxes in Canada, which places a significant burden on our residents. That is why this morning, I have written Mr. Eby, urging him to implement tax cuts and a comprehensive relief package, similar to that introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support businesses and families affected by the tariffs for the citizens of Surrey and all British Columbians."

The introduction of these tariffs will disrupt vital supply chains, impact tens of thousands of jobs, and put hundreds of local jobs at risk, particularly in manufacturing and value-added sectors, Locke's statement continued.

"Surrey is especially vulnerable, given that we host the largest border crossings in Western Canada. Our data reveals that over 20 per cent of Surrey businesses have direct trade ties with the United States, representing roughly $2.8 billion in cross-border commerce annually."

Locke said she will be working with other B.C. cities to support residents and promote a “Canada First” initiative – prioritizing Canadian products and businesses.

"We are working together to combat the impact of these punitive tariffs. By combining our expertise and resources, I believe we can develop and implement more effective initiatives that benefit our community."

Locke said she looks forward to working collaboratively with the provincial and federal governments on a coordinated response that will stabilize our economy and support our communities, as "the future of our economy, businesses, and families hangs in the balance."

Peace Arch News has reached out to the premier's office.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Tricia Weel

About the Author: Tricia Weel

I’m a lifelong writer and storyteller, and have worked at community newspapers and magazines throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
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