Full B.C. NDP platform includes speculation tax hike, some free transit for seniors
The B.C. New Democrats have unveiled their full campaign platform with plenty of election goodies in the 64-page document.
An increased speculation tax on homes, matching minimum wage increases with inflation, free transit for seniors in off-peak hours, modernizing liquor laws, free menopause treatment, quarterly PST filings, and doubling electricity generation by 2050 are all new promises on top of previously-announced policies.
Party leader David Eby spoke on the platform in Surrey on Thursday morning, telling British Columbians: “I hear you, and I see you.”
The new promises are in addition to the $1,000 annual “middle class tax cut” (which is also called a “grocery rebate” in the platform), commitment to provide a family doctor for everyone who wants one, doubling down on the BC Builds program and fast-tracking of pre-fab construction.
The total cost of new investments laid out in the platform is estimated at approximately $1.6 billion.
SEVERAL HEALTH-CARE COMMITMENTS
For the first time, the NDP is committing to a “full review of health authorities with the goal of driving down costs” and slashing administration, which the B.C. Conservatives have been promising for months.
They are also promising to expand the scope of midwives’ practice to include IUD insertion and the ability to prescribe the abortion medication Mifegymiso.
The document also affirms that hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women will be free and that there will be a first-ever addictions treatment centre specifically for construction workers. Every school will also have a mental health councillor under their plan.
HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Also new is a promise to “get rid of ‘no pet’ clauses for purpose-built rental apartment buildings,” and subsidized insurance for “mom and pop” landlords to incentivizes them to rent suites sitting vacant.
Details of the increased speculation tax are expected at a future campaign announcement.
More senior renters will also quality for Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) and the seniors’ supplement is going up from $50 to $149 per month. They’re also committing to building 5,400 new and replacement beds at nearly three dozen long-term care facilities, but don’t specify a timeline.
The NDP also plans to expanding the West Coast Express to Chilliwack; it currently only goes as far as Mission station. There’s also a vague line in the document about “connecting communities in the Fraser Valley through a new rail service” and a feasibility study for commuter rail to Squamish, Whitsler and Pemberton.
ATTACKS AND RESOURCE PLANS
The document includes multiple jabs at the B.C. Conservatives and what they’re calling “the Rustad Risk,” as well as statistics on job growth, the results of their housing strategies, and progress on subsidized child care spaces.
“A new Forest Value Fund will fast-track wood-manufacturing facilities coming online and the re-tooling of mills to process second growth timber rather than old growth as we continue to move toa value-added future for forestry,” reads another section.
One of the more unexpected proposals is to make one enforcement agency separate from RCMP and municipal police to handle gambling, liquor and tobacco enforcement, as well as transit policing.
They’re also planning to tie the cost of speeding tickets to the value of cars worth $150,000 or more, if they form government after the Oct. 19 provincial election.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump says he 'shouldn't have left' the White House as he closes campaign with increasingly dark message
Donald Trump, who said in Pennsylvania on Sunday that he regrets leaving the White House in 2021, is ending the 2024 campaign the way he began it – dishing out a stew of violent, disparaging rhetoric and repeated warnings that he will not accept defeat if it comes.
Guelph, Ont. woman says she was pushed to homelessness and 'thrown on the street'
For people living on the fringe of society, the line between the safety and security of a home and homelessness is very thin.
James Van Der Beek says he has colorectal cancer
The 'Dawson’s Creek' alum told People magazine in a statement published Sunday that he has colorectal cancer.
Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation? The answer may shock you
Housing experts argue widespread adoption of government-supported affordable housing, the growth of alternative models like co-operatives and co-housing, and the increased use of advanced building techniques could all play a role in improving Canada's housing system.
No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union
Canada Post says talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage.
U.K. prosecutors are mulling whether to charge Russell Brand over sex assault allegations
British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.
Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.
Winnipeg transit union raises concerns over violence after bus driver has gun pointed at him
The executive vice-president of Winnipeg’s transit union is raising concerns over an increase in violent incidents on buses after an operator allegedly had a gun pointed at him early Friday morning in front of police headquarters.
Trump wants to narrow his deficit with women but he's not changing how he talks about them
Donald Trump's campaign has used sexist and crude language, expressing alarm at the idea of women voting differently than their partners.