Governing is about choices, and budgets are how citizens find out where their government’s priorities lie. Now that the government has delivered its first full budget, we see the NDP’s priority is to dismantle the success that hard-working people have built for themselves over the years.
Despite inheriting a $2.7-billion surplus from our former government, the NDP has introduced $8 billion in new or increased taxes in less than one year.
They’ve raised the carbon tax and removed its revenue neutrality, meaning you won’t be getting that addition to your tax refund each year. They’ve implemented a tax on homeowners that won’t actually help British Columbians buy a home.
They’ve also created a new employer health tax that will cripple businesses, non-profit groups and even school districts that have a payroll of $500,000 or more.
Take the Delta School District, for example. With a payroll of more than $108 million a year, it will be hit with a tax bill of more than $2.1 million. It might have to make that up through $2.1 million in classroom cuts.
Meantime, while the NDP claims small businesses won’t be affected by its new tax, experts have pointed out that a company with a small staff of just six to eight people could hit the $500,000 threshold. Those employers now face a tough choice— do they raise prices for consumers or lay off staff? They may also be reluctant to hire new workers because the more people on your payroll, the more tax you have to fork over.
The NDP is literally punishing business owners for their success.
Local farmers in particular are up in arms over the combined effect of the new payroll tax and an increased carbon tax and minimum wage. It’s a triple-whammy to their bottom line that could put them out of business. I’ve raised this issue with the minister of agriculture and the minister of finance in question period, and so far they’ve dismissed these concerns.
The NDP was successful in the election because they told British Columbians they could solve deeply concerning affordability problems. But instead of coming up with a plan to grow our economy, they’re growing government. Instead of finding a way to increase revenues to pay for their promises, they’re taking the easy way out and piling taxes on families and businesses instead.
That is not how you make life more affordable for middle-class British Columbians.
