Calling the policy “reckless,” B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver said the move to remove tolls from the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges will add billions to the province’s debt.

“It’s unfortunate that the government has decided to proceed with this reckless policy,” Weaver said in a statement released shortly after Premier John Horgan made the announcement Friday morning that the tolls would be eliminated effective Sept. 1.

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“There is no question that the affordability crisis facing so many British Columbians is a significant concern,” he said. “However, this policy is high cost and low impact. There are lots of good, high return-on-investments decision that government can make, such as education, student housing and child care. It is disappointing that the first major measure that this government has taken to make life more affordable for British Columbians will add billions of dollars to taxpayer-supported debt.”

Weaver added that the addition to the province’s debt risks raising interest on all debt, which could ultimately prevent the government from being able to invest more in social programs.

“Tolls are an excellent policy tool to manage transport demand,” he said. “Transport demand management reduces pollution and emissions, alleviates congestion and helps pay for costly infrastructure.”