If the NDP wins the May 9 provincial election, party leader John Horgan promises a 15% ferry fare roll back on small routes and said fares would be frozen on major routes.
As well, he promised to reinstate the full seniors’ weekday discount.
Horgan, who rolled out his full party platform on the morning of April 13, also pledged to create $10-a-day child care and eliminate interest on student loans.
The NDP will match the B.C. Liberals’ plan to cut Medical Services Plan premiums by 50% as of January 1, 2018, and then eliminate them altogether by the end of their first term in office.
Horgan said he’ll pay for the promises by raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations, taxing housing speculators and cutting waste.
The platform promises $717 million in new spending in the current fiscal year, while still delivering a balanced budget with a $108-million surplus.
The new spending will rise to $1.26 billion the first full year that an NDP government is in power, with a surplus of $131 million.
“Our plan will make the wealthiest British Columbians pay a little bit more, so you and your family can pay less, while we improve the services you count on,” the platform states.
Horgan said the ferry changes would take effect in 2018 and cost about $20 million a year.
The platform also promises to increase all income-assistance rates by $100, raise all earnings exemptions by $200 and restore free adult basic education and English as a Second Language programs.
Horgan said an NDP government would restore a 2% income-tax increase on those earning over $150,000. Premier Christy Clark imposed the same tax as a temporary measure in 2013 and eliminated it two years later.
The NDP’s plan also raises the corporate income tax to 12% from 11%, while preserving the small-business tax cut to 2% from 2.5% already announced in the budget.
