Help Keep Repair Affordable in B.C.

Letter to Your MLA: Restore the PST Repair Exemption

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Your name: ______________________________

Address: ________________________________

City / Postal Code: _________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Subject: Restore the PST exemption for clothing and footwear repair services

Dear ______________________________,

I am writing to ask you to support restoring the provincial sales tax (PST) exemption for repair services involving clothing and footwear.

Effective October 1, 2026, B.C. Regulation 113/2026 removed the PST exemption for certain services related to clothing and footwear. This means that services such as shoe repair and resoling, which were previously subject only to the 5% GST, are now subject to an additional 7% PST.

I believe this change works against the goal of building a more sustainable, circular economy. Repairing an existing product keeps it in use longer, reduces waste and avoids the environmental and financial costs associated with manufacturing and purchasing a replacement.

I am particularly concerned that this tax makes repair more expensive relative to replacement. For many people, the additional 7% may not seem significant on its own, but across thousands of repair transactions it creates a clear financial incentive to replace products rather than repair them.

I am also concerned about the impact on small repair businesses. Businesses such as cobblers, seamstresses, shoe repair shops and climbing-shoe resolers provide skilled local services, often with relatively low margins. They contribute to local employment and help keep useful products out of the waste stream.

The Province has recognized that the current economic environment creates additional pressure on businesses. In September 2026, it paused the planned PST expansion to a number of professional services, citing economic uncertainty and ongoing trade disruptions. I believe repair businesses should receive the same consideration.

I am asking you to advocate for the Province to restore the PST exemption for repair services involving clothing and footwear, including footwear resoling.

Please raise this issue with the Minister of Finance and your colleagues in government. I would also appreciate a response letting me know whether you support restoring this exemption and what steps you are prepared to take on this issue.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns.

Sincerely,

Signature: _______________________________

Printed name: ____________________________