The B.C. government has released a draft consolidation of the provincial sales tax statute that would take effect April 1, 2013, subject to approval of the legislature, to help British Columbians and B.C. businesses with the re-implementation of the provincial sales tax.

More than half of all unionized public sector workers have new contracts under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate in time for the holiday season, and more than one-quarter of collective agreements up for negotiation have tentative or ratified settlements in place.

A tentative agreement has been reached between UBC and its Association of Administrative and Professional Staff under the 2012 mandate.

Two tentative agreements have been reached between the BC Oil and Gas Commission and the BCGEU, and BC Hydro and the IBEW Local 258 under the 2012 Mandate.

BC Assessment and CUPE Local 1767 have ratified a two-year agreement under the Cooperative Gains Mandate.

The government of B.C. issued the following statement from Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and vice-chair of Treasury Board, responding on behalf of the Finance Minister: "Today's decision by Moody's recognizes the growing uncertainty of the global economy and the importance of fiscal prudence in uncertain economic times.

If you have a business and you're looking for help with the transition back to the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on April 1, 2013, take advantage of the free webinars scheduled over the next couple of weeks.

The Public Service Agency has now concluded bargaining in the Public Service sector under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate with settlements reached with Queen's Printer employees and Public Service nurses.

The B.C. government is seeking public input on ways to strengthen consumer protection and ensure the Mortgage Brokers Act better reflects the current financial services market.