Restaurants Canada appeared before the Newfoundland and Labrador Independent Tax Review Commission to ask for a tax system that is more fair to restaurateurs and will stimulate growth in the restaurant sector. The Commission was struck to explore ways to make the tax system more competitive and fair, simple, progressive and not cost government or taxpayers.
Restaurants Canada cited the need for changes to help reverse the aging and declining population trend and encourage people to live and travel to Newfoundland and Labrador. Restaurants Canada believes government should:
- Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption to increase disposable income and put more money into the hands of the working poor
- Eliminate the job killing Payroll Tax
- Reduce sky high liquor taxes and provide licensees with wholesale pricing
- Prohibit credit card fees on the collection of HST and gratuities
The Commission will make its recommendations to the Finance Minister by November 2018.