Much speculation following Premier Gordon Campbell’s announcement that he is stepping down has focused on the fate of the harmonized sales tax (HST).
But other policies and priorities could also shift now that Campbell has announced that he has asked for a leadership convention to take place as soon as possible.
Simon Fraser University public policy professor Jon Kesselman believes a new leader will likely both boost spending and keep the 15% income tax reduction in 2011 that Campbell announced barely a week ago.
That could extend the amount of time the province is in deficit past the 2013-14 fiscal year that Campbell had promised to have the province return to balanced budgets.
“Or, they could shift around their priorities. They could put less into mega projects in the transport area,” he said. “Various things are on the drawing board and some are semi-approved, such as the [Evergreen Line] rapid transit project.”
Kesselman said money saved from cutting transportation initiatives could be spent on projects that could help the poorest of British Columbians and those who are drug addicted or dealing with mental disabilities.