Whereas the explosive growth of online accommodation booking platforms is forcing many BC local governments, large and small, to take urgent action to protect affordable housing stock for long-term residents; And whereas Ministry of Finance regulations currently provide that anyone offering four or more units, on their own behalf or on behalf of another owner, must collect and remit Provincial Sales Tax and Municipal and Regional District Tax Hotel Tax; And whereas the Ministry of Finance has so far not applied this regulation to online booking operators, creating a tax advantage for those offering rooms or suites online with negative consequences for housing affordability and exiting accommodation operators: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial government to ensure tax fairness and a level playing field for online accommodation booking platforms by collecting all applicable sales taxes at point of purchase on daily private room rentals.
