It’s election eve here in B.C., and candidates and volunteers are busy preparing to GOTV – Get Out The Vote. There has been a lot of talk in this campaign, but I wanted to draw taxpayers’ attention to a piece in the Victoria News. The paper asked Victoria-Beacon Hill candidates a question on behalf of our organization.

Note Carole James’s infuriating criticism of MSP premiums and total lack of plan to deal with them. And Jane Sterk’s love of taxes. And the Liberal’s jargon. And the fact there is a Communist Party.

“What is your plan for Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums — do you have a tangible way to freeze or reduce them? And would you, in the next four years, introduce a fat or sugar tax in B.C.? How will you deal with issues of obesity?”

- Jordan Bateman, B.C. Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Jane Sterk, Green: BC Greens will phase out MSP premiums and fund the public health system from general revenue. We also see that a significant part of the problem is a lack of preventative care and action. Greens would increase tobacco taxes and institute a “junk food tax.” We support local economies, which includes reinvesting in our agriculture and eating more local produce.

Carole James, NDP: Since 2001, the Liberals have increased MSP rates eight times. Reversing those increases would cost about $1 billion per year, and that is not possible at this time. We believe that issues of obesity are important and will promote a healthy lifestyle for all British Columbians through increased health education.

Karen Bill, Liberal: Today’s BC Liberals are committed to providing British Columbians with a health care system that meets the demands of a population that is both changing and aging. Any changes to MSP rates would require a commensurate tax increase in other areas. We have no plans to implement a tax of this nature.

John Shaw, BC Communist Party: Abolish MSP premiums and other regressive user fees.  Finance the removal of MSP premiums with the restoration or pre-2001 tax rates on the wealthy and the corporations to add $2 billion annually to provincial revenues.  Establishment of public health education program designed to prevent obesity by developing,  high-fibre, low-fat, well-balanced diets requiring less meat.  Promote the consumption of local, organically grown, non-GMO veggies, fruits and whole grains.