National

B.C. NDP to unveil election platform, Conservatives promise to end insurance monopoly

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Oct, 2024 09:41 AM

British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby is set to roll out the party's complete election platform as Conservative Leader John Rustad says his government would end the provincial insurance corporation's monopoly on basic vehicle insurance.

Eby has a news conference scheduled in Surrey as the province nears the midway point of the election campaign ahead of the Oct. 19 election day.

The New Democrats have already announced many components of the platform, including recent promises for an annual tax cut worth $1,000 for the average family starting next year, and a plan to fast-track factory-built homes.

Rustad, meanwhile, told a news conference in Vancouver that his party would end the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's monopoly on basic auto insurance, a plan he says would bring in competition, drive down costs and improve services.

The Conservatives had already pledged to exempt people who suffer life-altering injuries in crashes from ICBC's no-fault insurance model, saying it's unfair to accident victims to curtail opportunities to sue for damages.

The Conservatives have also released a series of pledges related to infrastructure, transit and boosting the economy, including Rustad's promise to reintroduce a minister responsible for "red tape reduction."

"The key is we need to get to better management in this province. We need to be able to make sure that we unleash our potential," he told reporters on Thursday.

A statement from the Conservatives says they would eliminate B.C.'s nearly $9 billion deficit within two terms of government and require voter approval of any new taxes, through referendum or an election.

Rustad said the Conservatives would be rolling out announcements over the coming days and the party's complete platform would follow.

"If anybody could give me an accurate number of … what the NDP's deficit (is), I think that would be a great help in terms of how we could actually make sure it was fully and properly costed in terms of what we're doing," he added.

B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau is set to make an announcement related to the cost of living and support for working parents in West Vancouver.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Fire destroys historic Kamloops bridge

An early morning fire has destroyed a historic bridge in Kamloops. The blaze is believed to have started in the middle of city's Red Bridge at around 3 a-m, eventually engulfing the wooden structure that had two lanes for vehicles.

Fire destroys historic Kamloops bridge

B.C. Premier touts involuntary care plans at convention, days before campaign begins

B.C. Premier David Eby says several city governments are on board with having a "secure site" to house and treat severely mentally ill and drug addicted people. Eby told local politicians at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Vancouver that public safety is a priority for cities, especially in downtown cores, where many people are seen "visibly" struggling with addictions.

B.C. Premier touts involuntary care plans at convention, days before campaign begins

Climate, food security, Arctic among Canada's intelligence priorities, Ottawa says

The pressing issues of climate change and food security join more familiar ones like violent extremism and espionage on a new list of Canada's intelligence priorities. The federal government says publishing the list of priorities for the first time is an important step toward greater transparency.

Climate, food security, Arctic among Canada's intelligence priorities, Ottawa says

B.C. and First Nations reach deal to sell 2,600 condos at 60% of market value

An agreement between First Nations and the British Columbia government will see thousands of homes made available in Vancouver at 40-per-cent below cost. Premier David Eby calls it a "remarkable" accomplishment between the province and the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, which would see about 2,600 homes sold for 60 per cent of the value in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.

B.C. and First Nations reach deal to sell 2,600 condos at 60% of market value

NDP flips, BC United flops, B.C. Conservatives surge as election campaign approaches

If the lead up to British Columbia's provincial election campaign is any indication of what’s to come, voters should expect the unexpected. It could be a wild ride to voting day on Oct. 19.

NDP flips, BC United flops, B.C. Conservatives surge as election campaign approaches

Canada makes small emissions cut in 2023, but must ramp up to hit key targets: report

Hikes to oil production and rebounding air travel put a drag on Canada's climate progress last year, a report published Thursday by a leading policy institute found, though the country was still able to make a modest cut to its planet-warming emissions. The new estimates from the Canadian Climate Institute show Canada cut emissions by about 0.8 cent last year compared to 2022, or eight per cent since 2005.