THE B.C. Liberals are allowing rates to skyrocket at ICBC, making life even less affordable for British Columbians, say the New Democrats.

“The 5.2-per-cent hike proposed today follows years of hikes by Premier Christy Clark’s government,” said New Democrat ICBC Spokesperson Mable Elmore on Tuesday. “While she has been premier, her government has brought in big rate hikes in three out of four years, increasing rates by a total of 23 per cent – that’s $140 more every year for the average driver.”

Because of ICBC’s policy of rate smoothing, drivers can expect a rate hike next year that is within 1.5 per cent of this year’s – that could mean yet another hike of as much as 6.7 per cent.

“This hike is just another blow to affordability in this province,” said New Democrat Finance Spokesperson Carole James. “While Premier Clark claims that she is not raising taxes, her government is quietly raising hidden taxes that take money directly from the pockets of British Columbians.”

This rate hike comes on top of a 28-per-cent Hydro rate hike and further increases to ferry fares and medical service premiums – all within the last year.

“Hikes like this chip away at family budgets and make it even harder to afford the necessities. The B.C. Liberals are showing once again that they are not listening to British Columbians.”