B.C. Conservatives pledge no new taxes if elected October 24
Interim leader Lorne Doerkson says the promise targets what he calls the NDP's 'endless tax grabs.' The party points to frozen tax brackets and a higher lowest income tax rate.
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Lorne Doerkson, interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives, pledged Sunday that the party will impose no new taxes if elected on October 24—a campaign promise aimed at what he calls the NDP's "endless tax grabs on working families."
Doerkson made the announcement while campaigning in Surrey on Sunday. The Conservatives cite the lowest income tax rate rising to 5.6 per cent from 5.06 per cent, and tax brackets frozen through 2030 as evidence of tax burden. They characterize the frozen brackets as a "quiet tax hike that hits British Columbians every time their pay keeps up with inflation."
The pledge directly counters moves by B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, who promised Friday to impose a new tax on unsold condominiums and to raise the existing speculation and vacancy tax if the NDP returns to power. The Conservatives also criticized a proposed expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax to professional services including accounting, though that expansion has since been delayed.
"British Columbians have never paid more in tax, but nine years of the NDP spending more and getting less means our province has never been further behind," Doerkson said in a statement.
The election comes as British Columbia faces a projected deficit of $13.8 billion.
How would the Conservatives balance the $13.8 billion deficit without new revenue measures?
What spending reductions or program changes would the Conservatives propose?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When is the B.C. election?
The B.C. election is October 24, 2026.
What tax pledge did the B.C. Conservatives make?
The B.C. Conservatives pledged to impose no new taxes if elected on October 24, 2026.
What is B.C.'s projected deficit?
British Columbia faces a projected deficit of $13.8 billion.
What tax changes has the B.C. NDP proposed?
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby promised to impose a new tax on unsold condominiums and to raise the existing speculation and vacancy tax if the NDP returns to power.
