VANCOUVER, BC — Lorne Doerkson outlined his plan today to get BC moving with an ambitious slate of policies designed to end the cost of living crisis. Conservatives will cut taxes, unlock investment, build homes faster and restore the services families rely on.
After nine years of NDP government, British Columbians are paying more for gas, groceries and housing, and their paycheques don’t go as far. Investment has stalled, rural clinics are closing, and seniors are being taxed out of their homes. Doerkson’s plan to Get BC Moving starts by putting money back in people’s pockets.
“British Columbia has gone off track for the last nine years, and families are paying the price,” said Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson. “The NDP’s record is clear; high taxes and low growth. We have a plan for low taxes and high growth. A plan to cut your taxes, create good jobs and get BC moving again, and we’re ready to deliver.”
A Conservative government will cut provincial income tax by $1,000 by raising BC’s basic personal exemption to the most generous in Canada. That is up to $1,000 a year for working British Columbians and $2,000 for a typical couple, or $167 more a month for gas and groceries. A blue-ribbon panel will report within 180 days on simplifying BC’s tax system and attracting investment.
Conservatives will remove the PST on machinery, equipment and business software, covering purchases and leases for three years. A new Premier’s Advisory Council on Investment will bring in advice from the people who build businesses here, and the Premier’s Technology Council, which the NDP shut down without explanation, will be restored.
Conservatives will expand dual-credit programs, apprenticeships and paid work experience, make it easier for schools to hire qualified tradespeople and other experts, and develop a Future Mining Jobs Blueprint with industry.
Conservatives will protect private property rights and give certainty for resource development by repealing DRIPA, section 8.1 of the Interpretation Act and the NDP’s litigation directions, and restoring the section 35 constitutional framework.
A Conservative government will make immediate down payments on a BC-owned fleet of water bombers and other firefighting aircraft to supplement contracted services. Every fire stopped early saves lives, money and lost economic activity, and the planes can be leased to other jurisdictions in winter to help pay for themselves.
A $50 million emergency fund will help rural medical practices stay open and recruit staff. Conservatives will reverse the NDP’s changes to the property tax deferment program so seniors can stay in their homes. The Autism Funding Program will be extended, and the move of autism support to the Disability Benefit and Disability Supplement will be reviewed so no family loses the help it needs.
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Media Contact:
Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
media@conservativebc.ca
