BC United Leader Kevin Falcon, whose party is far behind both the NDP and the BC Conservative Party in opinion polls, on Tuesday announced that if his party formed the next government it would implement the largest middle class tax cut in British Columbia’s history.

BC United will eliminate provincial income tax on the first $50,000 earned by every British Columbian. The plan would result in the complete elimination of provincial income tax for 60 percent of people, while putting an extra $2,050 per year back into the pockets of British Columbians.

BC United will make life more affordable by:

• Putting $2,050 in your pocket: Increasing the Basic Personal Exemption from the current $11,980 to $50,000.
• Eliminating income tax for 60 percent of British Columbians: Ensuring more than 2.4 million British Columbians will pay no provincial income tax.
• Providing relief for average earners: Nearly eliminating provincial income tax for average taxpayers (average income is $54,450).

“BC United will implement the largest middle class tax cut in B.C.’s history by eliminating the provincial income tax for 60 percent of British Columbians. This historic tax cut will put an average of $2,050 back into your wallet, helping you afford essentials like food, gas, and kid’s extracurricular programs,” said Falcon.

“David Eby’s NDP have made British Columbia unaffordable with a blizzard of taxes over eight years in power. BC United’s tax cut policy would immediately be reflected in higher paycheques for folks across the province who are struggling right now. Only BC United will create a more affordable British Columbia.”

He said that for the first time in more than a decade, more people are leaving B.C. than moving to the province. This historic tax cut will put more money back into the pockets of students, families, and seniors.

“Completely eliminating income tax for 60 percent of British Columbians in the middle of this NDP affordability crisis will ensure our children, nurses, doctors, and families can actually afford to live in our province again,” added Peter Milobar, BC United critic for finance and MLA for Kamloops North-Thompson. “British Columbians will keep more of the money they earn in their own pockets while a BCU government balances the budget and brings back fiscal responsibility to B.C. It’s time to rein in the high tax attitude of government and create a better B.C. — for all of us.”