As British Columbians continue to struggle with affordability and rising gas prices, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby is promising that if re-elected, his government will help families save up to $20 at the pump each time they fill up.
On Thursday, Eby announced plans to temporarily suspend the provincial fuel tax by 10 cents per litre for gas and diesel and to introduce a “price guard” that would allow the BC Utilities Commission to set a cap for retail oil prices.
“We can tell you with certainty that from the start of the Iran war until now, there has been a 20-cent increase in the profit taken by refining companies with absolutely no change,” he said.
“We are going to ensure that the utilities commission has the power to stop the gas companies from gouging us at the pumps.”
He says these measures would help a two-car family save around $100 each month.
Meanwhile, Lorne Doerkson and the B.C. Conservatives spent their morning Thursday backing up the federal government’s Pacific Link Pipeline.
“We welcome it, because the world desperately needs Canadian energy,” Doerkson said.
“We welcome it because B.C.’s economy desperately needs a boost.”
He also called out Eby’s gas cut promise, calling it a “pipe dream.”
“I’m sorry, but I think British Columbians do not trust him,” he said.
“Just two years ago, there were promises of $1,000 of relief to families and homes, and he failed to deliver that. I think he needs to answer that.”
Over on Vancouver Island, the B.C. Greens announced their plans to support local food production and farmers.
“That is why the B.C. Greens will restrict the ownership of foreign and corporate ownership of farmland,” said Leader Emily Lowan.
“We will fund an agricultural land bank to connect farmers with affordable farmland, and we will give local governments the power to tax unused farmland so that usable land is actually used to produce food.”
Both the Greens and the NDP introduced new candidates for the upcoming election. The nomination period ends Oct. 3.
source: CityNews photo: Government BC
