The 2010 provincial budget was a great disappointment, providing no long term economic strategy and delivering cuts to vital services. The government’s economic plan seems to rest on making British Columbians pay more for everything while claiming to be lowering taxes.
Hydro rates are spiralling out of control. Rates are set to increase 29 per cent over the next three years, according to the government’s fiscal plan, laid out in the March budget.
The government is trying to claim the increase is to pay for infrastructure upgrades, but that is only part of the story. The fact is, the government is sneaking in a tax increase by demanding that B.C. Hydro pay the government an extra $254 million this year, and B.C. Hydro has no choice but to pass that cost on to ratepayers. This year’s increase comes on top of rate increases of seven per cent each year since 2008.
Other cost increases impacting families include Terasen gas rates, which were increased six per cent this year, and a six percent increase in MSP premiums (to be increased every year). Residential care rates for seniors went up January 1, and will increase again next year. Camping fees in provincial parks increased by as much as $5 per person, doubling in some backcountry parks, and ferry fares have increased by as much as seven per cent. TransLink fare cards for a single zone went up from $73 to $81, and a three zone pass increased from $136 to $150.
On top of all this, the HST, scheduled to come into effect this summer, will cost consumers an extra $1.9 billion each year. The government has already eliminated the provincial sales tax rebate for energy-saving appliances, making families pay more for sustainable choices. And while you pay more, banks pay less: the Corporation Capital Tax (Bank Tax) was repealed April 1.
The government clearly has no post-Olympic plan to help our economy recover, apart from shifting the tax burden on to consumers. B.C. needs a fair taxation system, not one disproportionately shouldered by B.C. families.
Also in this issue
- Take action on school layoffs
- New community garden in Pandora Park
- Shane in the Legislature: speakign out against cuts to the disabled
- Great local events and resources
