BC Conservatives promise to end ICBC monopoly, build transportation infrastructure
Driving down the cost of car insurance is a priority, says BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, who is pledging to eliminate ICBC's monopoly.
“Introduce competition – the ability for competition with ICBC – to make sure there is fair and proper insurance for people here in British Columbia,” said Rustad on Thursday.
He says he'd keep the no-fault scheme for minor injuries – making up 85 percent of claims – but ditch it for serious, life-threatening ones.
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby said Thursday that Rustad's plan – which has been implemented in other provinces – would actually cost young drivers more.
“This is a direct threat to affordability," Eby said. "John Rustad knows it. The numbers are obvious. You can look at the other provinces and compare."
Transportation was a major theme for the BC Conservatives on Thursday. The party also rolled out a slew of promises including building a new bridge over Okanagan Lake, expanding Highway 1 to six lanes to Chilliwack, and expanding the Patullo Bridge to six lanes as soon as possible. Rustad also promised there would be no tolls for either bridges or roads and to fully fund TransLink for two years.
Other commitments include replacing the George Massey Tunnel faster than scheduled and extending the SkyTrain to Newton in Surrey.
For businesses in Surrey – B.C.’s fastest-growing city – that sounds good, but the devil's in the details.
“It’s great to see that these items that will impact Surrey and our business community regionally are part of this platform," said Jasroop Gosal, of the Surrey Board of Trade.
"However, until we see the finances, the budgets, the actual details, we still remain skeptical."
Rustad also unveiled plans to help struggling small businesses on Thursday, pledging to reduce red tape for small businesses by 25 per cent, creating a ministry of red tape reduction and reducing small business taxes from two per cent to one.
“Businesses across the province have identified the cost of business as not just an impediment to them thriving, but surviving,” said Jeff Bray, the head of the Business Improvement Areas of B.C.
“It’s a positive step. It's a recognition that small businesses are struggling under the cost of doing business.”
Rustad says his party will release its full platform soon, with school and child-care plans coming in the next couple of days.
The only televised leaders debate ahead of the B.C. election is happening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2024. You can watch live on CTV News or stream it on this website
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation