The BC Conservatives are promising to temporarily scrap the provincial sales tax on business investment and speed up approvals for major projects as part of a plan they say will boost BC’s economy.
Party leader Lorne Doerkson unveiled the plan in Surrey on Wednesday, pledging to remove the PST on machinery, equipment, and business software for three years.
The party would also appoint an expert panel tasked with developing a plan within 180 days to simplify BC’s tax system and attract investment.
BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson unveils his plan to boost BC’s economy, promising to:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 7, 2026
- Approve major capital projects within 120 days.
- Eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced.
- Scrap the 7% PST on business investments in machinery, tools, and software… pic.twitter.com/6RQQci3EU4
“David Eby’s NDP have taxed and regulated our economy into decline, chasing away the investment and jobs that families depend on,” Doerkson said. “A Conservative government will supercharge BC with pro-business policies that bring jobs and investment back, and we will make British Columbia the most attractive place in the world to invest.”
The Conservatives are also promising to create a minister responsible for red tape reduction and establish a Premier’s Technology Council to advise the government on economic development, government efficiency, and conditions for BC’s technology sector.
Under the plan, the party says it would reduce provincial red tape to 2017 levels by the end of its first term and introduce a “one-in, two-out” law requiring two regulatory requirements to be eliminated for every new one introduced.
The announcement also builds on the party’s previously announced Energy Superpower Plan, which includes a pledge to double natural gas production by 2032.
The Conservatives say they would introduce a 120-day permitting law for major projects valued at more than $250 million and change the province’s approach to project approvals while maintaining environmental standards.
Doerkson pointed to job losses, mill closures, BC’s deficit, and recent credit rating downgrades as evidence the province needs a change in economic policy.
“British Columbia should be the most prosperous place in the world, but for nine years a radical NDP government has stood in the way of business, investment and jobs,” Doerkson said. “That ends with me. A Conservative government will supercharge BC’s economy and bring strong leadership for serious times.”
British Columbians head to the polls on October 24.
