This year is shaping up to be a challenging one for B.C.’s residents, businesses, and economy. After campaigning on a promise to improve affordability for British Columbians, the NDP has done the exact opposite by imposing 19 new or increased taxes since taking office.
Perhaps the most egregious of them all is the new Employer Health Tax (EHT), which the NDP is using to replace MSP premiums. Trouble is, the government is bringing in the EHT before MSP premiums are completely eliminated, meaning businesses will be double-taxed this year. How does that affect the average person? Consider that these businesses may have to lay off staff, restrict hiring or raise prices for goods to cover this new tax bill.
Meanwhile, the NDP’s heavy-handed Speculation Tax will target more British Columbians than actual speculators. Mayors from a number of affected B.C. communities pleaded with the government for a way to opt out but were ignored. We’re already starting to see the damage, as many B.C. housing projects have been delayed or cancelled due to this reckless tax. This will simply put people out of work.
Speaking of projects, there is no doubt that the costs of major infrastructure projects throughout our province will increase substantially because of the NDP’s misguided belief that Union Benefit Agreements will actually benefit local communities or workers. All but 19 NDP-approved unions have been shut out of the tendering process, which limits who can bid on government contracts. It’s galling that while the government wants people from places like the Okanagan, Peace and Island regions to pay for these projects, it won’t give these folks the chance to actually work on them.
Meanwhile, our rural and resource-based communities are being hurt by the NDP’s increase to the carbon tax and removal of its revenue neutrality. It amounts to another big tax hike for industries that contribute so much to our provincial economy—and just like the EHT, those costs will undoubtedly be passed onto consumers. Expect to pay more at the gas pump and the grocery store as a result.
While our Official Opposition team has been urging the government to reconsider these damaging measures, unfortunately, it shows no sign of letting up on you or your pocketbook in 2019.
Greg Kyllo is MLA for Shuswap.
