January 2008

PRESS RELEASE

The word is out—Premier TaxFree offers the only Express PST refund program in the province and the visitors love it!

Since the cancellation of the Canada GST Visitor Rebate Program in March 2007, there has been a lot of interest from retailers who want to continue this excellent value added service to their international customers.

Ontario is the only province in Canada to offer a rebate program and savvy retailers use this as a sales tool with international visitors. “Did you know that you are eligible for a refund of the 8% PST if you increase your purchase to $625.00?”, asks one informed merchant. “It’s a win-win”, he confides, “the customer gets his tax back and I increase my sale”.

Premier has a variety of refund options to suit the needs of every visitor. Cash and credit card are the most popular but some visitors still prefer to claim their refund when they get home. The convenience of a cheque in the visitor’s own currency or a credit card refund expedites the refund process, making it simple and easy.

Retailers and visitors who would like more information may go to the Premier TaxFree website at www.premiertaxfree.ca. Click on the how to obtain your PST refund in Ontario

Release Date: March 27, 2007

Dear Valued Partner,

Last September 25th the Federal Government announced the cancellation of the Canadian Visitor Rebate Program, effective April 1, 2007. Since 1991 this program has allowed International visitors to Canada to obtain a GST/HST rebate of their purchases and accommodations while visiting our country.

The Visitor Rebate Program is a tourist incentive program similar to others offered in countries with a GST-type tax. Currently 27 countries in the European Union, Australia, Israel, Singapore and Mexico (just launching) have a Visitor Rebate Program. This is an increasing trend in global tourism.

Since the announcement of the cancellation, Premier Tax Free has worked to modify the Federal Government's decision. We have worked together with Hotel, Retail and Tourism Industry associations for options to the potential cancellation, such as the reinstatement of a user-pay visitor rebate program, as is similar to the European or Australian models.

When the 2007 Budget was approved by Parliament on March 27th; the cancellation of the VRP became a reality. The Federal Government has elected instead to offer a tour and convention program however the legislation has not yet been written for this program.

Visitors leaving Canada on/or before March 31, 2007 have until March 31, 2008 to claim a refund of GST paid on eligible goods and accommodation.

The Ontario PST continues to be refundable for all those eligible purchases made by visitors to the Province of Ontario.