Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
VANCOUVER – Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, recently announced a new program to promote B.C.’s tourism sector.
As part of Budget 2015, the legislature approved a one per cent increase to the maximum Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program rate allowed under the Provincial Sales Tax Act – to three per cent from two per cent previously.
This change to the MRDT rate is entirely voluntary and will only apply to municipalities, regional districts or eligible entities that request the increase, and whose applications are approved by government.
Communities that choose to increase their MRDT rate will also sponsor a new provincial Tourism Events Program.
The Tourism Events Program will help support the planning, marketing, and organization of provincially significant events and celebrations that offer a high tourism value. Events supported through this program will grow tourism revenues by increasing the number of visitors coming to B.C. Events could include arts, cultural or sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup or Canada Winter Games.
The MRDT program has also been enhanced to include stronger accountability and reporting requirements for all communities receiving the MRDT. Specific revisions to the MRDT program requirements include:
• updated application requirements for new applications, renewals or increases to the MRDT rate;
• enhanced reporting requirements for all MRDT communities and additional reporting requirements associated with communities requesting a three per cent MRDT rate;
• clarification on application and reporting timelines; and
• revised forms and templates for applications and reporting.
These revisions will help ensure greater transparency in how the tax dollars are used, what they achieve, and how planned use of tax dollars aligns with local, regional and provincial goals.
The enhanced MRDT program requirements and an updated application package for municipalities, regional districts and eligible entities who wish to introduce or increase the MRDT rate of tax in their designated accommodation area will be available by Sept. 1, 2015.
More information on the Tourism Events Program will also be available by that date.
