Thoughts on BC Politics and More

It’s time for the B.C. government to get rid of the Employer Health Tax. The EHT is a three per cent tax businesses pay once their payroll goes above $500,000. In other words, it’s a punishment for businesses that succeed and expand. The province should scrap the EHT to save businesses money and help them hire more British Columbians ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Not that many days ago, Kris Sims, the BC Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation stated that, “... people should brace for big tax hikes on a number of fronts in 2019, not the least of which is the province double dipping on the MSP and EHT health taxes ”.   Here in the City of Kamloop’s, the provisional budget indicates the possibility of a 3.38% increase in taxes for homeowners. I do NOT believe however, that the combined EHT, and final payment for MSP, are the factors greatly impacting that proposed tax increase. Key financial cost drivers behind the increase, according to the city, include provincially driven programs , additional RCMP members, increased service levels, and inflation and wage s.  Here’s the breakdown: 1.1% increase due to new provincial rates and taxes for BC Hydro, ICBC, Employer Health Tax, and the (much maligned) Carbon Tax 1.28% increase due to the addition of three Council-approved RCMP officers, as well as increased servi...

This past Tuesday (October 16 th ), the BC government stated it was moving forward with its plan to eliminate Medical Service Plan (MSP) premiums and introduce the employer health tax (EHT).   Together, they claimed these two things would reduce taxes on people and businesses by approximately $800 million each year. Is that true?    Well all I can say is that does NOT seem to be factual given what many have to say … many who should be in the know.   Here’s just a sampling: ‘BC …less affordable for families and less attractive for business’ is not exactly a slogan for success.  ~~ Fraser Institute … Select Committee on Finance told the tax would add $700,000 a year in expenses and the City simply cannot "absorb" those costs, as the Finance Minister suggested municipalities could do ~~ City of Prince George “Ultimately, it’s going to be passed on, I think, to their customers …” ~~ Dent Benefits Consulting “… this u...