Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington says the provincial budget is more than the "boring," staythe-course plan suggested in the finance minister's speech Tuesday.
"While I fully support the emphasis on balancing the provincial budget, the government should be honest and admit that balancing this budget comes at the expense of seniors, and is going to be hard on families," said Huntington. "Not only is there no relief for those on fixed incomes, but the MSP premium is rising again, car insurance is going up, hydro rates and ferry rates are rising, as are tuition fees.
"Between the car insurance hikes, the disappearance of the senior's discount on B.C. Ferries and FHA's wheelchair fees, our seniors might be forgiven for wondering why they have suddenly lost their freedom to move."
The independent MLA said several budget items could be helpful to families, including the Childhood Education Savings Grant and an increase of the property tax exemption threshold under the First Time Home Buyer's program.
She said the budget also includes a hidden tax hike for all taxpayers.
"The personal income tax exemption has dropped from $11,354 in 2013 to $9,869 this year. What is that but a tax increase? And a whopping tax increase at that."
Huntington also challenged the claimed budget surplus, stating that some revenue has been double counted.
On the farming front, she is pleased with the continuation of the temporary funding boost to the Agricultural Land Commission, which came after the auditor general found the ALC was unable to fulfill its mandate due to inadequate resources.
