VANCOUVER, B.C.: In response to the speech from the throne, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the government of Premier John Horgan to focus on long term tax relief for British Columbians.

“While it’s encouraging to see the government reconvene because MLAs recognize that British Columbians are struggling right now, long term help in the form of tax relief would be best way to make a difference for families and small businesses,” said Kris Sims, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

In the speech from the throne, the Horgan government pledged continued support for businesses that have been damaged by the COVID-19 economic crisis, promised tax incentives for businesses that hire new people and it confirmed that businesses can purchase new equipment without paying the PST.

However, other taxes, such as the carbon tax, remain a heavy burden. The carbon tax bill for heating a home with natural gas and using a family sedan to commute is about equal to Horgan’s promised $500 per person COVID relief cheque.

“Horgan did the right thing when he paused the automatic carbon tax hike back in April because it costs everyday people too much money,” said Sims. “He should go one step further and scrap it altogether so he can save people money all year long.”

Horgan was opposed the B.C. carbon tax when he was in opposition, saying it would cost people too much money to heat their homes and to get to work.

Emissions in B.C. have gone up, despite British Columbians paying the highest carbon tax in Canada.

“Emissions have gone up 10 per cent in the past three years, and in five of the last seven years,” said Sims. “It’s time for Horgan to admit he was right about opposing the carbon tax back then, scrap this expensive failure and save people money all year round.”

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