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John Rustad Condemns David Eby’s “Tax on Everything” and New Mobility Tax—Conservatives Will Deliver Across-the-Board Tax Relief
“David Eby’s so-called solutions to BC’s affordability crisis have been nothing but more taxes. Eby’s tax on everything—the carbon tax—has hit families at the gas pump, on their utility bills, and in the grocery store. Now, he wants to hit them again with a mobility tax that will punish drivers and commuters across the province. Enough is enough.”
— John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
October 13th, Vancouver, BC: John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, blasted Premier David Eby and the BC NDP for burdening BC families with more taxes at a time when they can least afford it. With the proposed mobility tax and the continued doubling of David Eby’s carbon tax—what Rustad calls “Eby’s tax on everything”—British Columbians are being squeezed from every angle.
“David Eby’s so-called solutions to BC’s affordability crisis have been nothing but more taxes,” said Rustad. “Eby’s tax on everything—the carbon tax—has hit families at the gas pump, on their utility bills, and in the grocery store. Now, he wants to hit them again with a mobility tax that will punish drivers and commuters across the province. Enough is enough.”
The NDP government has consistently turned to higher taxes as its primary tool for tackling problems, whether it’s addressing climate change or managing public services. Yet, these tax increases—particularly the carbon tax and now the mobility tax—have done little but make life more expensive for ordinary British Columbians. The carbon tax, which disproportionately impacts rural communities, low-income families, and small businesses, has contributed to higher prices on fuel, food, and basic necessities.
A New Mobility Tax
Rustad sharply criticized the proposed mobility tax, a new tax that would charge drivers based on the distance they travel, effectively penalizing those who rely on their vehicles the most—rural residents, commuters, and families with children. Under this plan, British Columbians who have no choice but to drive due to lack of public transit options will bear the brunt of Eby’s misguided policy.
“This mobility tax punishes the very people who have no other transportation options,” Rustad said. “It’s an attack on rural British Columbians and working families who already struggle with high gas prices and the daily cost of living.”
Ebay’s handpicked NDP Candidate, Christine Boyle, has expressed strong support for the mobility tax, stating, “This is the type of climate action we need at every level of government to truly address the climate emergency.” Boyle added, “I’m proud of it, and I’m hopeful to see it pass,” emphasizing her eagerness to support the tax’s implementation, saying, “I look forward to voting in support of this full plan.”
A Better Path Forward with the Conservatives
In contrast to the NDP’s tax-heavy approach, Rustad emphasized the Conservative Party’s commitment to providing meaningful tax relief across the board. The Conservatives have a comprehensive plan to make life more affordable and reduce the financial burden on British Columbians, which includes:
- Abolishing David Eby’s Carbon Tax: Rustad committed to scrapping the carbon tax, which has proven to be a regressive tax burdening BC families at every level. “Eliminating the carbon tax will offer immediate relief to families at the pump and help lower the cost of everyday goods, from groceries to utilities.” This combined with the removal of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard will result in savings of 36 cents per litre of gas, or $23 dollars every time you fill up the tank.
- Lowering Car Insurance Rates: Rustad also reaffirmed his pledge to make car insurance more affordable. “While Eby is pushing for more taxes on mobility, we will work to lower car insurance premiums, making it easier for families and individuals to afford driving, which is often the only transportation option for many.”
- Building More Homes: The Conservative plan will fast-track new home construction across the province to help alleviate the housing shortage. “By building more homes and offering tax relief for renters and homeowners, we’re making life in BC more affordable.”
- The Rustad Rebate: A Conservative government would allow up to $3000 a month in housing costs (either rent or mortgage payments) to be tax deducted every month, resulting in annual savings of up to $1800 per year.
The Conservative Vision: Lower Taxes, More Opportunities
Rustad reaffirmed his commitment to putting British Columbians first, focusing on policies that make life more affordable and fair. Under the Conservative vision, there will be no more surprise taxes like the mobility tax, and no more costly, ideologically driven experiments like the carbon tax.
“David Eby and the BC NDP have taxed British Columbians to the brink. They’ve created an affordability crisis, and now they’re trying to tax their way out of it, only making things worse,” Rustad said. “The Conservatives will deliver real relief by axing the carbon tax, lowering car insurance rates, giving target tax relief to renters and mortgage holders, and building more homes for hardworking British Columbians.”
It’s Time for a Change
“It’s time for a government that understands the struggles of British Columbians and is willing to take bold steps to bring real affordability to this province. The BC Conservatives are ready to lead that change, cut taxes, and create opportunities for all,” Rustad concluded.
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