Eby's plan will fund stronger healthcare for everyone by asking top income earners to contribute fair share – 96% pay nothing more

VICTORIA – Ahead of a rally in downtown Victoria, David Eby unveiled his plan to pay for his plan to build a stronger B.C. for everyone by asking millionaires and those who can afford it to contribute a bit more.

"In uncertain times, we have a plan to protect what matters most to you and your family, like healthcare that’s there when you need it and good schools for your kids,” said David Eby, BC NDP leader. "Unlike the B.C. Conservatives, we won’t cut healthcare and so we need to be honest about how we pay for it. As we face an unprecedented attack on our economy and rising costs for working families, we’ll ask the wealthiest to chip in a little more. That’s how we’ll build B.C. strong for all of us.”

Net taxes for an average B.C. family have dropped under the BC NDP. Eby’s plan keeps B.C. as Canada's lowest-taxed province for middle-income earners. Over 96% of residents, individuals who make $190,000 or less, will see no tax increase. The highest earners will pay slightly more through a 2% point increase on the top two tax brackets and a new bracket for income over a million dollars. Even with these adjustments, B.C. will continue to be the second lowest income taxed jurisdiction in Canada for those making $250,000.

"We want everyone to prosper in British Columbia. We celebrate when families and businesses here are successful,” said Eby. "But when people are struggling, we think that it’s fair to ask those at the top to pitch in a bit more so we can make it possible for everyone to get ahead.”

Eby’s plan will raise a billion dollars in new revenue each year to fund improvements in healthcare and to lower costs for British Columbians. The BC Conservatives have not said how they will pay for their promises without cuts to public services.

"We know the BC Conservatives won’t ask millionaires to pay their fair share. They’ve made it clear that they will have to slash the deficit by cutting healthcare and education, on the backs of families,” said Eby. "We’ve seen this movie before. Conservatives have admitted healthcare and education would 'take the brunt’ of their cuts. Families can’t afford cuts, chaos, and higher costs – especially not right now.”