The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, the Honourable Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer, and members of the retail sector joined forces today to launch a two-year Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Exemption Marketing Strategy. The strategy was developed as a result of the provincial government's decision to extend the exemption for PST for clothing and footwear purchases on Prince Edward Island until January 1st, 2001.
The strategy was developed through cooperation of the provincial government, members of the retail sector, and the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce over the past six months. The highlight of the strategy is the creation of a new official PST exemption logo. The new logo will be present in all retail stores across PEI as well as in a brochure that will be distributed throughout the Island. The intent of the logo is to communicate a consistent message that illustrates the benefits of the PST exemption and it's uniqueness to Prince Edward Island.
Reagh Ellis, owner/operator of Mark's Work Wearhouse in Charlottetown, said, "A consistent provincial strategy that promotes the PST exemption on clothing and footwear has been something the retail sector has been working towards for the past two years." Mr. Ellis noted, "The logo and strategy will provide retailers with a new communications tool which businesses can display in their stores and use to educate consumers about the cost savings for clothing and footwear."
Minister MacKinnon was pleased with the development of the strategy and added that, "The plan is another example of the provincial government and the private sector working together in an effort to create a strong business environment."
Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer, stated that, "Since our Government adopted the PST exemption policy retail sales on Prince Edward Island have reached record levels." Minister Mella added, "This strategy will increase the awareness level of the PST exemption among the tourists visiting our Province which will further assist retail sales across PEI."
The Department of Development, through Enterprise PEI, will be contacting business associations and all Island retail stores in the coming weeks to distribute the logo and strategy. Additionally, the Department of Development will have three PST representatives touring the Island this summer distributing the promotional PST exemption brochure to the many visitors to PEI.