Eby is trying to connect Rustad with the tax policy decisions of his former party, which did reduce taxes to higher income earners
In launching his election campaign, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby declared there was a stark choice between him and B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad.
“His tax cuts for the top two per cent would be paid for in higher fees and tolls for ordinary people,” said Eby.
The claim:
Eby is trying to connect Rustad with the tax policy decisions of his former party, which did reduce taxes to higher income earners. The Liberals’ 17-year reign ended more than seven years ago.
Trying to connect Rustad with the record of his former government is fair game.
What we found:
But during this election, the NDP claim lacks evidence.
Rustad and the Conservatives have not said they are going to raise taxes on the top two per cent — or pay for them in higher fees and tolls. And they have not, so far, introduced promised changes that would cut taxes exclusively for the top two per cent of income earners.
The program starts in 2026 and by 2029 could provide savings of up to $1,600 to 1,700, according to Rustad.
That program was announced days after the NDP claimed Rustad was introducing tax cuts targeted at the top two per cent. And the details unveiled so far do not show the rent-mortgage tax credit program will target or benefit solely the top two per cent of income earners.
Further consideration:
How the new tax credit program will be paid for is a different question.
By 2029, it’s expected to reduce tax revenues by $3.5 billion.
Rustad, who has promised a return to balanced budgets, has said that will not happen right away.
To back up their claim, B.C. NDP party officials have pointed to income tax cuts on high-income earners and increases in Medical Service Premiums and ICBC vehicle insurance rates that took place under the B.C. Liberals and Rustad’s statements that have been critical of the housing speculation tax.
Again, none of that shows the Conservatives will target income tax cuts to the top two per cent.
Conservative Party officials have not responded when asked about their claims against the NDP. But the Conservatives were quick to respond to the NDP claim, which they called a lie and NDP spin.