Victoria/Fraser Valley – The BC Pre-election Provincial Budget will be brought down at 1:30PM Tuesday February 21.
An election preview budget will be loaded with a few goodies to make it swallow friendly for the electorate before the May vote. The Provincial coffers have a $2.2-billion surplus.
Expect reforms to the MSP (Medical Services Plan), perhaps a phase out on premiums over the next few years. Premier Christy Clark has gone on record stating that reform is needed. Although the cost could be rolled into your income tax deductions.
A reduction in the PST could also be in the cards, potentially involving a 1.0% or 0.5% cut to the PST.
Money for school supplies and for the Agriculture/Aquiculture Buy-Local plans have already been announced.
So has the monthly Disability Assistance, as it will rise from $983 to $1,033.
The age old question remains. Will you pay attention to the numbers?
Finance Minister Mike De Jong laces up his new shoes (as is tradition in the Legislature) and steps up for his announcement Tuesday after lunch.
