As we come out of Easter weekend, chances are many of you felt like you spent a fortune on turkey, ham, potatoes, veggies and chocolate eggs. It’s all for a good cause, of course – spending time with family – but hosting an Easter dinner these days certainly isn’t cheap.
Back in the fall of 2024, when B.C.’s political parties were in full campaign mode, the ruling BC NDP made a significant election promise: a $500-$1000 “grocery rebate” to be provided to every British Columbian as a form of relief from high cost of living. According to Premier David Eby, B.C. individuals and families would have been cut a cheque for $500 or $1000 respectively, shortly after the October 2024 election.
The NDP faced criticism for what appeared to be an overt vote-buying during an election campaign.
But the fact is, they pledged that every British Columbian would receive a tax rebate. Yet shortly after they were voted into office, they reneged on their promise.
Now it is we MLAs from the B.C. Conservative caucus who are trying to resurrect the grocery rebate in the form of a $500 per year tax cut, and rectify the NDP’s broken promise.
If the NDP government won’t make this right, then we in the Opposition will try to.
Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad’s motion in the Legislature last week was to amend the basic personal income tax credit in B.C. to $22,462 – an increase of nearly $10,000 from $12,932. This would effectively give every taxpayer a $500 cut. A two-income household would thus receive $1,000 in relief.
The fact is, nearly half of British Columbians are a mere $200 away from not being able to cover their bills, and they just need a break.
Rustad’s proposed tax cut would be permanent, rather than an election-time gimmick where a politician promises to send out direct deposits to voters.
As I write this, all 40 of my BC Conservative colleagues are fighting for this tax cut amendment in the Legislature.
Hopefully, when it comes time to vote, all 93 members of this house – Greens and NDP included – will support this bill and provide the tax relief British Columbians deserve.
