BC NDP costings released during the campaign estimate the province’s deficit would fall to about $12 billion by 2028/29 from about $14 billion this fiscal year.
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The BC NDP has released costings for its provincial election platform that it says would reduce the province’s record deficit by about $2 billion over two years.
The party’s figures project a deficit of about $12 billion by 2028/29, down from a forecast of $14 billion this fiscal year.
The costings also show a “platform surplus” of $581 million by 2028/29, which the party says would combine with previous forecasts to reduce the deficit by a little over $2 billion.
In a statement, NDP Leader David Eby said new commitments made during campaigning for the Oct. 24 election would be paid for by asking “the top 3.88 per cent of income earners to contribute a bit more,” and by continuing economic growth.
Eby said interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson’s plans would “blow a multi-billion-dollar hole in the budget,” citing promised tax cuts from the Official Opposition.
The NDP said the costings include $1 billion in new revenue from income tax increases on the “top 3.88 per cent,” along with $730 million from “targeted economic growth.”
Eby also said his party is “being upfront about how we pay for our plan,” adding that its plan is “fully costed” and focused on working families.
He said the NDP plan would protect British Columbians from rising costs at the gas pump and grocery till.
The BC Greens released their costings on Tuesday, while the BC Conservatives have yet to release their figures.
Among other campaign developments, Doerkson promised legislation to prevent overlapping provincial and municipal campaigns if elected.
Doerkson said his party would pass legislation to prohibit a provincial election within 60 days of municipal election dates.
The provincial election called by Eby is set for Oct. 24, one week after B.C. municipal elections on Oct. 17.
The Elections BC provincial agency also said two candidates withdrew from the upcoming election.
Elections BC said OneBC’s Frederick Thiele withdrew in North Vancouver-Seymour, although his name will still appear on ballots because they have already been printed, and signage and staff will be in place to inform voters.
Elections BC also said independent candidate Gerry Lenoski withdrew as a candidate in New Westminster-Coquitlam.
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