SURREY, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has announced a proposed income tax reduction for working families in British Columbia, pledging to lower the first-bracket provincial income tax rate from 5.6% to 5.06% starting January 1, 2027, if the party forms government.
The proposal comes amid rising household expenses, with the party pointing to Statistics Canada figures showing food prices in British Columbia increased by 3.3% and gasoline prices rose by 20.8% in August 2026.
In its announcement, CentreBC said the proposed tax cut would reverse the increase introduced in Budget 2026 and save a two-income family approximately $540 annually. The party’s headline claim refers to potential savings of up to $640 a year for families under its broader affordability proposals.
“Life here costs too much,” Sturko said, outlining the party’s plan to reduce the tax burden on working households.
CentreBC Proposes Changes to Tax Brackets
Alongside the proposed reduction in the first-bracket tax rate, CentreBC has pledged to end the freeze on income tax brackets according to the existing schedule.
The party said this would help prevent taxpayers from facing higher effective tax burdens as their earnings increase. When tax brackets remain frozen while wages rise, some taxpayers can move into higher tax brackets or pay more tax as their nominal income grows.
CentreBC said its proposals are intended to provide financial relief while maintaining funding for public services used by British Columbians.
Party Says Affordability and Public Services Must Go Together
Sturko said the party’s approach would focus on easing the pressure on household budgets while protecting essential services.
“CentreBC is committed to making life more affordable for British Columbians while protecting the services they rely on,” she said.
The announcement forms part of the party’s wider platform, which outlines its proposed approach to affordability and economic growth.
The tax reduction remains a campaign commitment and would depend on CentreBC forming government and implementing the policy. Further details about the proposal’s overall fiscal impact and funding arrangements were not included in the announcement.
The party’s full platform is available at www.centrebc.ca/platform.
