Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Premier Keeps Dismissing Businesses as PST Backlash Grows Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation & AI Gavin Dew says Premier David Eby’s response to growing backlash over his $500-million a year PST expansion shows a government that is increasingly out of touch with working families, small businesses, and taxpayers across British Columbia. Last Friday at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the Premier brushed off reports of companies and jobs leaving BC, dismissing the legitimate concerns of frustrated businesses. This morning, fifteen major business organizations held a joint news conference warning the PST hike will raise housing costs, increase rents, punish small businesses trying to keep their stores safe, and further weaken investment confidence in British Columbia. “When fifteen major organizations coordinate a public warning, that’s a serious signal about where our economy is headed,” said Dew. “The economic alarms are going full blast, but David E...

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...