BC: The health tax grab

B.C.'s deficit is slated to total $5.6 billion by 2011 and the government seems to be hoping that higher tax revenue from greater economic growth will eventually reduce it. However, the hike in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) tax, otherwise known as the health tax, shows how B.C.'s deficit will more likely be defeated -- by stealth tax hikes -- if the government doesn't rein in spending. Read more »

BC: Metro Vancouver Should Go Back to Basics

The Metro Vancouver Regional District sticks their unelected fingers into everything--time to change that. Read more »

Unplug the MP Pension Magic Machine

MPs seem very reluctant to give up their gold-plated pension plans--time to ramp up the pressure. Read more »

Time for Pay Equity for BC Workers—Government and Private Sector

The inequity between government and private sector employees is growing--and tools like net zero and a Compensation Equity Act are needed to fix that. Read more »

BC: TransLink Must Cut Costs—Starting With Its Cops

TransLink wants more of your tax dollars--but an Edmonton report blasts TransLink's transit police model, and transit cops have made $1.4 million in bonuses for working Sundays over five years. Read more »

B.C. Taxpayers Need To Sweat About Government Debt

B.C.'s debt is on track to doubling in eight years--and is costing taxpayers a fortune in interest payments. Read more »

BC: Watching Pennies Pays Off

When it comes to government spending, there is no expenditure too small to slip under review. Read more »

BC: To Be Considered Truly Open, Government Must Be Proactive

For the B.C. government to truly be considered open, it must go beyond FOI and become proactive: post government contracts and MLA expenses as they are signed and incurred—and start with the infamous IBM contract. Read more »

BC: Carbon Tax Should Be Killed, Not Used For Transit

BC shouldn't add the 7.7-cent carbon tax to the 17 cents per litre of gas we already pay for transit--it should scrap the carbon tax altogether. Read more »

BC: Net Zero Only Way To Hold the Line on Property Taxes

Municipal CUPE contracts expire at midnight on New Year's Eve, so expect politicians and unions to be digging deeper into your pockets for another round of raises. Read more »