The BC Liberals are going to need brand new talking points

British Columbia’s 2019 Budget Just Blew 3 Key BC Liberal Talking Points Out of the Water

British Columbia’s 2019 Budget Just Blew 3 Key BC Liberal Talking Points Out of the Water

The BC Liberals are going to have a much harder time trying to convince people to believe British Columbia’s NDP-Green coalition is bad for families and the economy following the province’s 2019 Budget, tabled Tuesday in Victoria.

In recent weeks, the BC Liberal Caucus claimed the government has “no idea that a strong economy is needed” to support government spending, and that “taxes” are hurting ordinary British Columbians.

However, the province’s updated quarterly economic forecast shows BC leading the way in Canada in growth, with the Economic Forecast Council predicting BC’s economy is set to grow “faster than the national average.”

What’s more, the budget announced sizeable tax breaks for middle-class families and small businesses, without harming social programs.

Here are three BC Liberal talking points left in tatters by data in the budget:

1. The BC government has not “raised your taxes”

BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson said last week the government has “raised your taxes” and put British Columbians “at risk of falling behind.”

However, budget 2019 shows ordinary ratepayers will see their tax bills significantly decrease.

In addition to saving up to $1,800 as a result of Medical Service Premiums being cut, families will be able to claim Child Opportunity Benefits starting in 2020. This means families earning $80,000 per year will pay 43% less in taxes than they did in 2016, saving families almost $2,400 per year. Families earning $100,000 per year will see a 22% cut from 2016 levels.

As the budget notes, small businesses have already received a 20% tax cut, falling from 2.5% to 2%.

2. Actually, BC’s economy is doing great

Although Wilkinson also warned an “economic storm” is gathering over the province’s economy, the budget tells a much different story.

An economic storm is on the horizon – the NDP have spent all your money and raised your taxes. We’re all at risk of falling behind. Clearly, the NDP isn’t working out for anyone. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/AVJt4ccUcA — Andrew Wilkinson (@Wilkinson4BC) February 13, 2019

The budget states the Economic Forecast Council, a panel comprising Canada’s leading economists and researchers, predict higher than previously expected growth in 2019 and 2020.

Experts expect BC’s GDP to grow 2.5% in 2019, (0.3% higher than forecasted last year) and 2.6% in 2020 (0.5% higher than forecasted last year).

The council members also estimate BC’s 2018 GDP growth outpaced the rest of Canada. That trend until is expected to continue until at least 2023.

3. No, the government isn’t “killing jobs”

BC Liberal Jobs Critic Jas Johal claimed last week the government’s taxes are “killing jobs” and “making BC less competitive.” BC Liberal MLA Marvin Hunt said the government has “no plan whatsoever” to create jobs.

But today’s budget notes BC still has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.7% in addition to seeing the highest wage growth (4.1%) in 2018.

Budget 2019 also sets out new job-creating initiatives. This includes a $902 million investment over three years in the CleanBC project, which promises to “mobilize skilled workers” and move the province to “clean, renewable energy.”

The budget also contributes $6 million towards research and training for technicians and electricians.

Additionally, $3 million will be invested over three years in the Industrial Training Authority to “increase supports for apprentices and employers.” The budget also states this investment will assist greater inclusion of Indigenous people, women and other equity seeking groups.