BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson on Thursday announced his government will cut provincial income taxes by $1,000 a year for nearly every working British Columbian, and $2,000 for the average couple. This will provide much-needed relief to British Columbians after David Eby’s cost-of-living crisis, he added.
Doerkson said that after nine years of the NDP, British Columbians have been squeezed by Eby’s tax-and-spend ideology. Earlier this year, Eby raised income taxes on every British Columbian, including the lowest earners. And just a few days ago, the NDP promised to raise taxes on doctors and skilled professionals. If the NDP are elected, British Columbia will have the second-highest marginal effective tax rate in the developed world.
“While everything becomes more expensive, David Eby has taxed working British Columbians to the limit. Too many families are struggling to put food on the table or put gas in their cars,” said Doerkson. “Under my government, you’ll keep $1,000 more of what you earn.”
A Conservative Party of BC government will raise the province’s basic personal exemption from $13,216 to $32,000, the most generous in Canada. For a typical two-income family, that’s $167 more every month to help cover the rising cost of gas and groceries.
Doerkson said that under the NDP, British Columbians have never paid more in tax and never gotten less in return. David Eby has raised taxes more than 40 times. He froze tax brackets so the same paycheque is taxed more heavily every year, and broke his promise of $1,000 for families. A Conservative government will make life more affordable by letting British Columbians keep more of their own money, providing real relief at a time when families need it most.
“It’s your money, and after nine years of NDP government, British Columbians have earned a break,” said Doerkson. “These are serious times, and they call for strong leadership. My Conservative government will cut your taxes, make life more affordable and get British Columbia back on track.”
