Politics · Canada · 1 day ago
B.C. parties offer different income-tax plans during election campaign
British Columbia’s three largest political parties are offering different income-tax plans during the provincial election campaign.
NDP Leader David Eby says his party would raise taxes on the highest earners to fund health care, while Green Leader Emily Lowan proposes a tax on the ultra-wealthy to pay for public services and reduce debt.
Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson has promised to cut income taxes.
The NDP says its proposed increases would affect the top 4 per cent of earners, start in 2027 if the party is re-elected, and raise $1-billion by 2028-29.
B.C. faces a projected $13.8-billion deficit, and polling cited in the story found that voters’ leading concerns include the cost of living and health care.
An economist estimates the NDP plan could raise less than the party expects because higher taxes may change how people earn, spend and invest, while tax cuts could deepen the deficit.
The proposals put affordability, health care and the province’s finances at the centre of the campaign.
British Columbia’s three largest political parties proposed different income-tax plans in the third week of the election campaign.
NDP Leader David Eby proposed higher taxes on top earners to fund health care.
Green Leader Emily Lowan proposed a tax on the ultra-wealthy to fund public services and reduce provincial debt.
Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson pledged to cut income taxes.
The proposals come as B.C. faces a projected $13.8-billion deficit, and economists warned the tax changes may not raise as much revenue as projected.
- Who
- B.C.’s three largest political parties: the NDP, Greens and Conservatives.
- What
- They proposed different income-tax plans, including tax increases and a tax cut.
- When
- During the third week of the election campaign; Eby outlined his plan on Oct. 4.
- Where
- British Columbia, Canada; Eby announced his plan at a campaign stop in Victoria.
- Why
- The parties said their plans would address public priorities including affordability, health care and provincial finances.
B.C. NDP
B.C. Conservatives
Income taxes
B.C. NDP
The NDP proposed raising taxes on the highest earners to fund health care.
B.C. Conservatives
The Conservatives pledged to cut income taxes and put cash back into people’s pockets.
We’re going to ask those who are the wealthiest to pay a little bit more so that we can deliver the care that you and your family deserve,
Economists call this the behavioural effect of a tax change, and it offsets some of the mechanical effect of a tax change,
Eby outlined his proposed income-tax increases at a campaign stop in Victoria.
An Angus Reid Institute poll found that 57 per cent of respondents named the cost of living as their top concern, 42 per cent health care and 24 per cent the provincial deficit.
- Projected deficit
- $13.8-billion
- NDP proposed start
- 2027 tax year
- NDP projected revenue
- $1-billion by 2028-29
- NDP affected earners
- Top 4 per cent of earners in B.C.
Sources
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