Eby defends plan to tax high earners amid health care campaign debate
B.C. health care tax plan targets millionaires to fund services and ease pressure See how the NDP, Conservatives and Greens differ on funding care and public priorities
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby is defending his proposal to create a new tax bracket for people who earn $1 million or more, saying the revenue would help pay for health care in British Columbia.
Eby made the announcement during the provincial election campaign, arguing that people with higher incomes should contribute more as the province deals with pressure on public services. The BC Conservatives criticized the idea, saying it could discourage doctors from staying or moving to the province.
The Conservatives also unveiled their own healthcare plan on Monday. Their proposal includes keeping funding levels approved in 2026, prioritizing B.C. students for medical training, speeding up credential recognition for doctors trained elsewhere in Canada, and creating a $50 million emergency fund for rural practices.
The BC Greens separately announced a plan to tax very wealthy residents with more than $50 million in net wealth. Leader Emily Lowan said the money would support universal childcare, free public transit and affordable housing.