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A Vision For Hope & Prosperity For The Next Decade and Beyond
A Vision For Hope & Prosperity For The Next Decade and Beyond
A Vision For Hope & Prosperity For The Next Decade and Beyond
G O R D O N CAM P B E LL AN D TH E
www.bcliberals.com
A New Era of Leadership
to build a successful future at home patients the care they need, where
in your community. they live and when they need it.
The plan in this booklet lays out a A BC Liberal Government will be
vision for a brighter future that is guided by the principles and values
realistic, affordable and measurable. that are the pillars for prosperity.
We will focus your tax dollars on Fiscal responsibility. Free
the critical services that you want enterprise. Equality of opportunity
and deserve, while getting more and responsibility. Compassion
value for each dollar spent. for those in need. An unflagging
commitment to public health care,
We will act to build your trust and
education and public safety.
We want British Columbians to re-establish BC’s leadership role
excited about their future again. in Canada.We want our province Commitment to Canada’s
We want to create a New Era in to have the leading economy in the Constitution and equality under the
British Columbia. A New Era country, with the highest levels of law. Open and accountable decision-
of vision, imagination, hope private sector investment anywhere. making. Belief in a professional,
and prosperity. non-partisan public service.
We want our schools, universities
If you are a parent, we want you and colleges to be at the leading Those are the pillars for a New Era
to know that your children will have edge of educational achievement of hope and prosperity for all people
the education they need and the and excellence.We want our public who live here, in the best province,
economic opportunity they deserve health care system to guarantee all in the best country in the world.
Our Vision:
1. A top-notch education system for 6. The fastest growing technology industry
students of all ages. in Canada.
2. High-quality public health care services 7. A leading edge forest industry that is
that meet all patients’ needs where they globally recognized for its productivity
live and when they need it. and environmental stewardship.
3. A thriving private sector economy that 8. Greater equity and equality for British
creates high-paying job opportunities. Columbia in Canada.
4. Safer streets and schools in every 9. The most open, accountable and
community. democratic government in Canada.
5. Better services for children, families 10. Responsible, accountable management
& First Nations. of your public resources and tax dollars.
2
New Prosperity
British Columbians have always taken pride in our great province.We have the richest resources, the best location
and the most talented people anywhere.With all we have going for us in BC, we should be leading the way in
building new growth and prosperity. Our plan will put BC’s economy back on track.
BC Liberals will implement tax, fiscal and regulatory reforms that will fuel new growth, revitalize investment,
stimulate job creation and provide new opportunities for all British Columbians. It will bring prosperity back to BC.
• burden
Reduce the “red tape” and regulatory and oil and gas production. competition.
on BC business by one-third
within our first three years.
• Work with the technology industry
to capitalize on the tremendous
• Pass a Community Charter to
outlaw provincial government
• Restore workers’ democratic right • Push Ottawa for provincial control BC businesses.
to a secret ballot vote on certification
under the Labour Code and restore all
over BC offshore fisheries, to improve
fisheries management and protect jobs.
• Push to eliminate overlaps in area of
federal and provincial jurisdiction
workers’ right to negotiate contracts
by outlawing sectoral bargaining.
• Negotiate affordable, workable treaties
with First Nations that provide
that have added bureaucratic costs
and frustrated economic development
and sound management.
• Give workers and employers greater certainty, finality and equality.
•
flexibility in Employment Standards
to negotiate mutually beneficial
• Protect private property rights to
prevent government expropriation
Establish regional transportation
authorities, to give local communities
relationships that help them compete without fair compensation. control over transportation planning.
and prosper.
www.bcliberals.com 3
Higher Paycheques
Providing you with the tax relief that you need is a The reason is simple. Lower taxes leave more money
crucial part of building new prosperity.Tax relief in your pocket.You will spend that money in your
stimulates new investment and job creation.Tax relief community on services and goods.That spending
also helps to attract and retain skilled workers in areas creates jobs. More people working means more revenue
like health care and technology. It gives working to government, more money for health care and
families the resources they need to build a better education, and a higher standard of living for everyone.
quality of life. And it helps increase government
revenues needed to support health care and education.
income tax rate by 20 points, and personal income $16 billion 48%
$16.4
$16.3
$15 billion
Tax relief has worked in the United States. A 1995
$14.8
42%
42.7%
report for the U.S. Congress Joint Economic $14 billion
39.5%
Committee found that, from 1965 to 1993, 38.5%
$13 billion 36 %
the 25 low-tax states enjoyed growth in real per 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
capita income that was 32% higher than in the Revenue ($ Billion) —— Basic Income Tax Rate
(Sources: Canadian Tax Foundation, Ontario Public Accounts, Third Quarter Update)
25 high-tax states.
Tax relief has even worked in BC. After imposing massive tax hikes over the past decade, the NDP
introduced some miniscule cuts in 1999. Since then, personal income tax revenues increased by over $500 million.
4
Lower Taxes are a must
The truth is, the real threat to the revenues needed to Over the past decade, British Columbians’ real,
pay for health care and education isn’t tax cuts – it’s annual after-tax income has dropped by over $1,700
NDP tax hikes. As the chief economist for the Toronto per capita – the worst drop in Canada. Unbelievably,
Dominion Bank recently put it: “You cannot afford not to British Columbians’ average real disposable income
cut taxes, because you will not get the income growth you is now $2,216 lower than the average for Albertans.
need unless you have a competitive tax system.Without that This tax burden is undermining jobs, investment and
income growth you're not going to have the revenues to do all economic growth in BC.
the health care and education and all the other nice things That’s why BC Liberals are committed to giving you the
that you want to do.” tax relief you need.Within our first term in government,
BC will cut the personal income tax
rate to the lowest level in Canada for
the bottom two income brackets,
take-home pay
113.3%
Last in
90.8%
69.5%
65.8%
Growth
58.5%
53.2%
Private Sector
Investment Growth,
18%
10%
Alta NB Sask Man Nfld Ont NS Que PEI BC
1992-2000
(Source: Statistics Canada)
Average Real Per Capita After-Tax Income in BC
20% (1999 Constant $)
Last in
18.0%
17.5%
$21,000
Employment Growth 15%
16.0%
14.9%
12.0%
Employment Growth,
10.9%
10%
1996-2000 $19,000
8.8%
7.1%
$18,771
5.2%
5% $18,000
Alta NS PEI Ont Que Nfld NB Man Sask BC
33.6%
$17,000
27.3%
1990 1999
27.0%
Last in
24.2%
20%
22.3%
21.6%
Economic
17.5%
10%
Growth prosperity that will revitalize public
Real Per-Capita services for everyone. It’s time to give
5.3%
GDP Growth,
0% 1992-2000 you the tax relief that you deserve, to
Nfld Sask Alta Ont Que NB PEI Man NS BC
(Sources: Stats Can., Provincial Economic Accounts; average private sector forecast, Feb. 2000.) put more money back in your
pocket, where it belongs.
www.bcliberals.com 5
A New Era for Health Care
Timely, effective healthcare – no matter where you live
All British Columbians must be able to receive the public health care they need, where they live and when
they need it. NDP cuts, waste and mismanagement have led to deteriorating patient care.
We will protect health funding, and establish provincial standards to ensure all British Columbians receive the
care they deserve and need.We will work with health care providers to develop a long-term strategic plan to
safeguard and improve patient care. By properly managing resources, we can ensure timely, effective health
care services for everyone.
6
A New Era for Education
Excellence in education for students of all ages
Children and students of all ages deserve the best public education possible.The NDP’s “one size fits all” approach
to education has forced schools to cut services and has compromised student learning possibilities.
We will protect education funding.We will establish
strong province-wide education standards, provide
multi-year funding envelopes to improve planning,
and give districts the financial flexibility to meet
students’ needs.We will protect parent volunteers,
invest in computers and in technical training for
teachers, to ensure our young people have the skills
and knowledge to compete with the world’s best and
win.We will create new opportunities and better
access to advanced education by investing in skills
training, research and development.
• Give local school boards more • Establish a “Leading Edge • Strengthen our network of
colleges, institutes and on-line
autonomy and control over the Endowment Fund,” based on
delivery of education services, a cost-sharing partnership with learning throughout the province.
subject to provincial curriculum
and testing standards.
the private sector, to establish
20 permanent BC Leadership
• Increase research funding for
colleges, universities and institutes.
Chairs across the province in the
• Give school boards multi-year
funding envelopes, to improve fields of medical, social, environ- • Train more social workers to meet
the critical skills shortage that has
long-term education planning mental and technological research. developed under the NDP.
and budgeting. • Ensure that music, arts and
physical education curriculums
are fully funded in BC’s public
schools.
www.bcliberals.com 7
A New Era of Hope
From law and order, to the environment and resources, to
children in need, the services that government provides are
crucial to British Columbians’ quality of life.Those services
must be effective and accessible for all who rely upon them.
Through proper management and sound planning, we can
revitalize public services, restore hope, and build a better quality
of life for everyone.
the expansion of public lands rights guaranteed to all Canadians • Work with communications
under the Constitution. companies, Internet Service
through private land donations. Providers and local communities
• Enhance resources and training • Return 75% of all revenue from
traffic fines to the municipalities
to rapidly bring high-speed
for “front-line” social workers, to Internet access to all communities
improve the quality of services and that collect that money, to support in BC, using public assets like
decisions affecting children and community-based policing, crime roads, railways and power lines to
families. prevention and community youth leverage rapid growth in communi-
programs. cations infrastructure and
• Repeal the NDP’s attack on
pensioners that allows some • Stop the endless bureaucratic broadband Internet capabilities.
restructuring that has drained
pension plans to suspend the
pension benefits of early retirees resources from children and • Invite all Members of the BC
Legislature and all BC Members
who choose to supplement their family services. of Parliament to hold annual joint
income by continuing to work in
the same field of employment.
• Target child care funding to help
parents who need it most.
conferences aimed at publicly
identifying and overcoming issues
of regional alienation within
Canada and BC.
8
A New Era of
Public Service
Governments around the world are embracing important reforms to put the public interest first, and give people a
real voice in decision-making.With our talented people, skills and resources, British Columbia should be a leader in
providing public services that are accountable, accessible and efficient.
BC Liberals are committed to dramatically reforming government decision-making so that you have a real say in
how our province is run. Our goal is the most open, transparent and accountable government in Canada.
www.bcliberals.com 9
George Abbott
(Shuswap)
Farmer / College Instructor
Val Anderson
(Vancouver – Langara)
Clergy
The BC Liberal
Tony Bhullar Harry Bloy Shirley Bond Jeff Bray Elayne Brenzinger Susan Brice Graham Bruce
(Surrey – Newton) (Burquitlam) (Prince George – (Victoria – Beacon Hill) (Surrey – Whalley) (Saanich South) (Cowichan – Ladysmith)
RCMP Lawyer Telecommunications Mount Robson) Provincial Government Executive Director Better Business Bureau Small Business Owner
Business Owner School Trustee Policy Analyst Charitable Organization Executive Director
Rich Coleman Michael de Jong Kevin Falcon Gary Farrell-Collins Stan Hagen Greg Halsey-Brandt
(Fort Langley – Aldergrove) (Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman) (Surrey – Cloverdale) (Vancouver – Fairview) (Comox Valley) (Richmond Centre)
Business Lawyer Business Owner Pilot / Flight Instructor Construction Company Manager Mayor / Town Planner
Gordon Hogg Mike Hunter Daniel Jarvis Ken Johnston Brian Kerr Kevin Krueger Daniel Lee
(Surrey – White Rock) (Nanaimo) (North Vancouver – Seymour) (Vancouver – Fraserview) (Malahat – Juan de Fuca) (Kamloops – North Thompson) (Vancouver – Hastings)
Former Mayor Business Consultant Realtor Business Person Business Manager / Insurance Manager Councillor
Chartered Accountant
Richard Neufeld Rob Nijjar John Nuraney Sheila Orr Barry Penner Geoff Plant Judith Reid
(Peace River North) (Vancouver – Kingsway) (Burnaby – Willingdon) (Victoria – Hillside) (Chilliwack – Kent) (Richmond – Steveston) (Nanaimo – Parksville)
Small Business / Oil and Gas Public Relations Consultant Small Business Owner Small Business Owner / Park Ranger / Lawyer Lawyer Shellfish Farmer
Councillor
Lynn Stephens Ken Stewart Richard Stewart Blair Suffredine Ralph Sultan Rick Thorpe
(Langley) (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) (Coquitlam – Maillardville) (Nelson – Creston) (West Vancouver – Capilano) (Okanagan – Westside)
Small Business / Realtor Farm Manager Government Relations Lawyer / Small Business Person Economist Small Business / CMA
Consultant
Team Bill Barisoff
( Penticton – Okanagan Valley)
Pat Bell
(Prince George North)
Small Business / Agriculture Small Business Owner / Logger
Bill Belsey
(North Coast)
Metallurgical Technologist
Bill Bennett
(East Kootenay)
Lawyer
Gulzar Cheema Ida Chong Tom Christensen Dave Chutter Christy Clark Walt Cobb Murray Coell
(Surrey – Panorama Ridge) (Oak Bay – Gordon Head) (Okanagan – Vernon) (Yale – Lillooet) (Port Moody – Westwood) (Cariboo South) (Saanich North & the Islands)
Physician / CGA / Former Councillor Lawyer Farmer Public Service Small Business Owner / Former Mayor / Social Worker
Former Manitoban MLA Former Mayor
Arnie Hamilton Colin Hansen Roger Harris Randy Hawes Sindi Hawkins Dave Hayer
(Esquimalt – Metchosin) (Vancouver – Quilchena) (Skeena) (Maple Ridge – Mission) (Kelowna – Mission) (Surrey – Tynehead)
Small Business Owner / Small Business Small Business Owner Mayor Former Nurse / Lawyer Assistant Publisher
Retired Police Sergeant
Richard Lee Blair Lekstrom John Les Brenda Locke Harold Long Dennis MacKay Karn Manhas
(Burnaby North) (Peace River South) (Chilliwack – Sumas) (Surrey – Green Timbers) (Powell River – Sunshine Coast) (Bulkley Valley – Stikine) (Port Coquitlam –
Applied Mathematician Mayor Business Person / Small Business Transportation Business Owner Commercial Private Burke Mountain)
Former Mayor Executive Director Investigator Small Business Manager
Liberal Government!
Linda Reid Claude Richmond Val Roddick Patty Sahota Rod Sanderson Visser Sandy Santori Gail Sparrow
(Richmond East) (Kamloops) (Delta South) (Burnaby – Edmonds) (North Island) (West Kootenay – Boundary) (Vancouver – Mount Pleasant)
Teacher / Administrator Independent Consultant Small Business Forestry Consultant Small Business Owner / Operator Mayor / Insurance Agent Small Business Owner /
Former Band Chief
Gillian Trumper John van Dongen John Weisbeck Katherine Whittred John Wilson Patrick Wong
(Alberni – Qualicum) (Abbotsford – Clayburn) (Kelowna – Lake Country) (North Vancouver – Lonsdale) (Cariboo North) (Vancouver – Kensington)
Mayor Farmer/Business Dentist Teacher Veterinarian/Rancher Chartered Accountant
A NEW
for ERA
BRITISH
COLUMBIA
G O R D O N CAM P B E LL AN D TH E
www.bcliberals.com