Saskatchewan Party leadership hopeful Ken Cheveldayoff wants to re-open the provincial sales tax debate if he’s chosen as the next leader of the party.
At a campaign announcement on Thursday, Cheveldayoff said he plans to appoint a tax review panel on his first day as leader. The panel would be given a 60-day window to consult with stakeholders and the public.
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“They’d be given an opportunity to look at all taxation in Saskatchewan specifically on PST,” Cheveldayoff said.
“(The panel) will have the time to look at what other provinces are doing, coordinate where we can, and have a very in depth discussion with financial planners, with life insurance sales people.”
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The panel will be tasked with reviewing the application and rate of PST, as well as the impact of a provincial sales tax on life insurance. The panel would be made up of tax policy experts and would be expected to provide recommendations for an appropriate sales tax base.
“I’ve talked to many individuals across the province, and many people have told me ‘you need to take another look at this,'” Cheveldayoff said.
Prior to Aug. 1, Saskatchewan didn’t charge PST on insurance premiums, but the tax base was expanded during the tough 2017 provincial budget.
“It discourages the purchasing of insurance,” Cheveldayoff said.
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He added the changes were made to broaden the consumption tax base, but he doesn’t believe the approach will raise the revenues expected.
Cheveldayoff hopes to review all aspects of taxation policy and rates in Saskatchewan.
He is one of five people in the race to become the next Saskatchewan Party leader to replace Premier Brad Wall, who will step down when a new party leader is chosen at a convention in Saskatoon on Jan. 27.
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