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BC Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerksen vows no new taxes and no tax hikes if his party wins the October 24 provincial election, contrasting with the NDP's housing tax plans.
British Columbia Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerksen announced in Surrey on Sunday that he would not raise or introduce new taxes if his party wins the provincial election on October 24. Doerksen, who was named interim leader on September 21 after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned, said his government would prioritize the affordability crisis facing residents.
Doerksen's No-Tax Pledge in Surrey
Doerksen promised that his party would bring stability to British Columbia by committing to not raise taxes on his watch. He criticized the NDP for imposing what he called one tax increase after another, including on personal income, businesses, housing, and sales taxes. He described these taxes as punitive against residents.
In response to NDP leader David Eby's proposal for a new tax on unsold condominiums and an increase to existing speculation and vacancy taxes, Doerksen called it just another tax hike. He argued that adding a two percent tax on empty condominiums in Vancouver would not solve the problem. He emphasized that he would never allow his government to raise taxes on hardworking taxpayers and that his pledge included no gimmicks or accounting tricks.
NDP's Housing Tax Proposal and Data
Eby said the proposed condo tax would apply to finished units left empty for more than a year. He pointed to a report from Real Property Data estimating that thousands of unsold units worth $4.4 billion are sitting empty across Metro Vancouver. Eby made these comments during a campaign stop in Burnaby, noting that the units are brand new and ready for people to move in.
The NDP's plan aims to create more affordable housing in British Columbia by discouraging the practice of leaving condominiums empty. Eby's proposal comes as part of his election campaign, which was called on September 22, one day after Doerksen became interim leader.
Economic Strategy and Industrial Revitalization
When asked how his government would handle sudden economic downturns without raising taxes, Doerksen pointed to revitalizing the province's industrial sectors. He highlighted the Fraser River as an example, stating that it is full of resources and that the industry is struggling. He sees a massive opportunity to grow that sector, having spoken with industry leaders who share his belief. He suggested that there is an absolutely massive opportunity to capitalize on that.
Doerksen's approach focuses on economic growth through industrial development rather than tax increases. He believes that by tapping into the province's natural resources and supporting struggling industries, the government can avoid raising taxes even during economic challenges.
With files from The Canadian Press
Lorne Doerksen BC Conservatives Tax Pledge British Columbia Election David Eby Housing Tax Surrey
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