BC United has promised the “largest tax cut in BC’s history.”
The official opposition said today it would, if it forms a majority after the Oct. 19 election, eliminate provincial income tax on the first $50,000 earned by workers, up from the current $11,980.
It claims the proposal would take 60 per cent of British Columbians – more than 2.4 million people – out of provincial income tax altogether, while “putting an extra $2,050 per year back into the pockets” of earners in BC.
But when asked about the policy during a visit to Penticton today, Premier David Eby said it was “quite an extreme and radical proposal that would require cuts to the provincial budget of at least $5 billion.”
BC United said it projects the cut would cost $5.4 billion a year, but that it would result in more economic activity that would “offset a significant amount of the revenue loss.”
Falcon also pledged to balance the province's budget — which currently involves a deficit of $5.9 billion, with a projected deficit of $7.9 billion next year — within the first term of a BC United government.
The premier, however, said BC United’s plan would mean, in addition to the party’s other pledges, cuts of over $10 billion.
“Here’s what that means: it means fewer schools, fewer teachers, fewer new schools, any new hospital expansions being cancelled, cuts to doctors, physicians, people who work in hospitals, nurses.”
Eby then claimed that Falcon “is even to the right of John Rustad when it comes to cutting public services.”
At his news conference on Tuesday, though, Falcon said "no services" would need to be cut.
"This is one of the great myths of the left," he said. "The NDP will tell you that all of their spending is actually really important. I would argue they've got it wrong."
Falcon also said the tax cut would benefit many elderly people on fixed incomes and families struggling with the high costs of living.
A person earning $35,000 a year on a minimum-wage salary would pay no provincial income tax, saving about $1,134, he said, while a person making $50,000 or more would save $2,052.
Premier @Dave_Eby claims a plan from @voteBCUnited for the 'largest tax cut in BC's history' is 'extreme and radical.'
— KelownaNow (@KelownaNow) August 13, 2024
He says @KevinFalcon 'is even to the right of @JohnRustad4BC when it comes to cutting public services.'#bcpoli pic.twitter.com/qj9v4fZZIL
In BC United’s policy announcement package, the party stressed that it wanted to “make life more affordable.”
Falcon said the tax cut would help people “afford essentials like food, gas, and kid’s extracurricular programs.”
“David Eby’s NDP have made British Columbia unaffordable with a blizzard of taxes over eight years in power,” he said in a document accompanying the announcement.
“BC United’s tax cut policy would immediately be reflected in higher paycheques for folks across the province who are struggling right now.”
Half of British Columbians are now $200 or less away from being able to afford their monthly bills.
— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) August 13, 2024
Today, I was proud to announce the largest middle class tax cut in the history of B.C. which will put nearly $200 back in the pockets of taxpayers each month! #BCpoli https://t.co/7irfz8KDqM pic.twitter.com/0Z5Omutj2d
Apparently anticipating Eby’s remarks, Kamloops North-Thompson MLA Peter Milobar claimed the “historic tax cut” would “ensure our children, nurses, doctors, and families can actually afford to live in our province again.”
He added: “It’s time to rein in the high tax attitude of government and create a better BC — for all of us.”
BC Greens Leader Sonia Furstenau, however, said the plan "will not help our province thrive, it will only gut our budget when our healthcare system is already in crisis."
She added: “The BC Greens will put forward a tax plan that makes sure the wealthiest pay their fair share, and everyone can count on the services they deserve.”
In a poll released Monday, meanwhile, BC United came a distant third behind the BC NDP and BC Conservatives.
The pollster, Leger, said the party's "implosion" in recent months "has been spectacular."
Falcon, however, brushed aside questions about BC United's gloomy polling.
"I'll just say the same thing about polls I always say about polls, whether they show us improving or not improving, they are meaningless," he said.
"I really believe this. People don't plan their meals 60 days from now. They don't plan how they're voting 60 days from now."
