B.C. Election: B.C. NDP to release full party platform

Premier David Eby speaks during a press conference in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, October 5, 2023. British Columbia Premier David Eby says he was "profoundly disturbed" to hear that a provincial Crown prosecutor was assaulted in Vancouver. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

The B.C. NDP will become the latest party to release its complete election platform Thursday.

 

Leader David Eby is scheduled to launch this party's "Action Plan for You" platform at an event, due to be held at a private residence in Surrey.

 

Eby has already announced a number of large promises during his campaign, including a plan to combat the housing crisis with fast-track factory-built homes. He has also announced an annual tax cut worth $1,000 for the average family starting next year. 

 

The Green Party released its 72-page platform earlier this week, an election pitch with a heavy focus on taxing the wealthy in order to support the "well-being" of B.C. residents.

 

It includes proposals to double existing property tax rates for homes valued at over $3 million, and an 18 per cent proposed tax on corporate profits over $1 billion.

 

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad is holding a campaign event in Vancouver Thursday morning.

 

His party has not released its full platform yet, but has made a number of election promises. Those include the “Rustad Rebate” for homeowners and renters. The rebate would exempt up to $3,000 a month in housing costs from provincial income taxes. The program would begin in 2026 at $1,500 per month and then grow by $500 every year after that.

 

The province is approaching the midpoint of the election campaign, with election day on Oct. 19 and advance voting starting Oct. 10.