(Vancouver) The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a major new study today called Cost Shift: How British Columbians are paying for their tax cut. The study examines a dynamic the Centre calls "cost shifting"--the transfer of costs off the government books and onto individuals, families, and in some cases employers. It reveals that while some individuals and families remain ahead...
Projects & Initiatives: Public Interest Research Project (BC)
July 4, 2002
Printed copies of this article can be purchased from the BC Office for: $10
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345 KB PDF | 27 pages
345 KB PDF | 27 pages
About this Publication
In June 2001 the provincial government introduced massive income tax cuts. It promised this would put more money in British Columbians’ pockets without a reduction in public services.
Cost Shift looks at what actually happened. It finds that costs for public services are in fact being transferred off the government’s books and onto individuals and families, and in some cases employers. Although income taxes were reduced, other fees and taxes have increased.
Cost Shift shows how the gains from tax cuts have been wiped out or significantly reduced by major new costs. These include: increased MSP premiums, de-listed health services, higher drug costs, higher tuition fees, higher gas tax and higher child care costs, among others.
Over the last 30 years, the CCPA has provided alternative research and analysis that have been indispensable in exposing the corporate agenda. I don’t know what I’d have done without them.