Full B.C. NDP platform includes speculation tax hike, some free transit for seniors

The B.C. New Democrats have unveiled their full campaign platform with plenty of election goodies in the 64-page document.

The B.C. New Democrats have unveiled their full campaign platform with plenty of election goodies in the 64-page document.

An increased speculation tax on homes, matching minimum wage increases with inflation, free transit for seniors in off-peak hours, modernizing liquor laws, free menopause treatment, quarterly PST filings, and doubling electricity generation by 2050 are all new promises on top of previously-announced policies.

Party leader David Eby spoke on the platform in Surrey on Thursday morning, telling British Columbians: “I hear you, and I see you.”

The new promises are in addition to the $1,000 annual “middle class tax cut” (which is also called a “grocery rebate” in the platform), commitment to provide a family doctor for everyone who wants one, doubling down on the BC Builds program and fast-tracking of pre-fab construction.

The total cost of new investments laid out in the platform is estimated at approximately $1.6 billion.

For the first time, the NDP is committing to a “full review of health authorities with the goal of driving down costs” and slashing administration, which the B.C. Conservatives have been promising for months.

They are also promising to expand the scope of midwives’ practice to include IUD insertion and the ability to prescribe the abortion medication Mifegymiso.