VANCOUVER, B.C. — David Eby’s tax increases have gone so far that his own BC NDP candidates are acknowledging the pressure they are putting on ordinary British Columbians.
Earlier this year, Kory Clark, now the BC NDP candidate in Kamloops-North Thompson, grilled fellow candidate Grace Lore, criticizing the tax increases contained in Eby’s 2026 budget.
“Sorry but the tax increase does hurt us regular folk. I make too much to access the rebates but make too little to have any wiggle room after paying my rent. I’m feeling quite let down with this budget that people like me are paying more when I have so little extra to give,” Clark wrote on Instagram on February 18, 2026 (screenshot below).
Clark made those comments before David Eby announced even further tax increases during this election campaign.
“When Eby’s own candidates are fed up with his skyrocketing taxes, is there anyone other than Eby left to defend them?” asked BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson. “British Columbians are already struggling with the cost of housing, groceries and everyday life. Eby’s answer is to reach even deeper into their pockets.”
British Columbians have heard promises of relief from David Eby before.
During the 2024 election, Eby promised a $1,000 annual tax cut for the average family, beginning with immediate relief. British Columbians went to the polls. Eby was elected. Just four months later, his government scrapped the promised $500-per-person, $1,000-per-household rebate before delivering its first post-election budget.
“David Eby promised a $1,000 tax cut to get elected, then broke that promise almost immediately,” said Doerkson. “Now he’s promising even higher taxes, and wants British Columbians to think he’ll make their life more affordable?”
“After nine years of the BC NDP, British Columbians don’t need another tax increase,” said Doerkson. “They need relief. We will cut taxes, we will not introduce new ones, and we will let British Columbians keep more of their hard earned money so they can get ahead.”
Lorne Doerkson and the BC Conservatives: Strong leadership for serious times.
See the new Conservative Party of BC ad here: LINK
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BACKGROUND
Screenshot of Kory Clark (@kory_ic)’s comment from Grace Lore (@GraceInVic) Feb. 18, 2026 Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU69ttsj637/c/18099314509733416/
NDP Candidate Kory Clark’s personal Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/kory_ic/
BC NDP release announcing Kory Clark as a candidate: LINK
Kory Clark’s campaign Instagram (@kory.clark) follows Kory Clark’s personal Instagram
Media Contact:
Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
media@conservativebc.ca
