Top BC Liberal Highlights of 2008
This past year brought a number of successes that British Columbians can be proud of as we enter a New Year. Here's a selection of some of the best from 2008.
BUILDING THE BC ECONOMY. Premier Campbell’s comprehensive economic plan for the economy includes cut taxes for individuals and business, new infrastructure investments to keep our construction sector working, protecting retirement investments for people, expanding labour mobility and trade within Canada, and other measures. Combined with continued fiscal prudence and careful budgeting, B.C. is well-positioned to weather the current economic storm.
LOWEST TAXES IN CANADA. With another round of personal income tax cuts coming into effect for 2008, B.C. now has the lowest personal income taxes of any province in Canada for anyone making up to $111,000.
NEW ABBOTSFORD HOSPITAL. The province’s first new regional hospital in 30 years opened in August, 2008, fulfilling 20 years of promises made by previous governments to the people of the Fraser Valley.
NEW HOSPITALS START CONSTRUCTION ACROSS B.C. Victoria, Surrey, Kelowna, and Vernon saw construction begin on major new hospital projects, and renovations and expansions of health care facilities around the province are underway.
FIVE NEW UNIVERSITIES. Preparing students for the new economy is critically important to B.C.’s continued success. In 2008, the BC Liberal government created five new universities – bringing the total to seven new universities created since 2001 – allowing students to access higher education closer to home.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE. Taxing carbon emissions has the effect of taking 800,000 cars off the road, and every cent of the carbon tax is used to reduce other taxes. It’s good for the environment, and it’s even better for taxpayers who now pay the lowest taxes in the country.
RECORD SUPPORT FOR K-12 STUDENTS. Per-pupil funding is at the highest level in history, and we’ve taken additional steps to help students succeed in life outside school by introducing mandatory physical fitness requirements and banning junk food in schools.
OPENED THE BENNETT BRIDGE. The William R. Bennett Bridge across Okanagan Lake was desperately needed to reduce traffic congestion. We built that bridge on budget, and opened it 108 days ahead of schedule.
$14-BILLION TRANSIT PLAN. We’re going to double transit ridership, add new rapid transit options throughout the lower mainland, and improve service with more busses and options in every region of the province.
NO MORE TOLLS ON THE COQUIHALLA. At 1:00 p.m. on September 26, 2008, we removed the tolls on the Coquihalla Highway, saving drivers $57-million per year.
$2.3-BILLION IN NEW TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. Legislation was passed to allow for the new Port Mann Bridge: the first trial run of the Canada Line from YVR to Vancouver took place: the Golden Ears and Pitt River Bridges celebrated milestones in construction. All these projects are designed to keep British Columbians moving, and they’re keeping thousands of workers employed in every part of the province.
