Premier Second Term 2005 – 2009

Mr. Campbell continued to focus on strengthening B.C.’s economy by cutting taxes in every single budget. By 2008 Mr. Campbell had cut taxes 103 times. As a result, British Columbians earning $111,000 or less now pay the lowest income taxes in Canada. 250,000 low-income earners today don’t pay any provincial income tax and others are now paying between 30% and 75% less than they did in 2001. Mr. Campbell also continued to reduce corporate and small business taxes; they are now the lowest anywhere in the G7.

In Mr. Campbell’s second term, he continued to build on his government’s environmental record, committing in law to reduce B.C.’s greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020. New programs were introduced, aimed at improving the efficiency of peoples’ homes and cars, enhancing public transit and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while saving people money. 

The government also sought to establish a new relationship with first nations peoples and to close the gaps in health, education, housing and economic opportunities between first nations and non-first nations. Through this initiative, Mr. Campbell was able to reinvigorate the B.C. Treaty process, successfully negotiating the first modern day treaty with the Tsawwassen First Nation. In 2007 the Campbell government signed modern-day treaties with five more First Nations.

Record levels of funding for education gave B.C. the lowest student-teacher ratio in history. The government also launched a massive expansion of early childhood education in British Columbia. Free drop in facilities called StrongStart BC centres were opened across the province. The centres provide free access to qualified early childhood educators who lead literacy activities to help children grow linguistically, physically and socially, giving them a strong start in life. In 2008 Mr. Campbell also committed to studying day-long kindergarten for five year–olds, and optional kindergarten for 3 and 4 year-olds to improve early childhood education and provide new options for parents.

Mr. Campbell also undertook the largest public consultation on health care in the province’s history to hear how British Columbians thought their health system could be improved. This initiative led to the principles of the Canada Health Act being enshrined in law to ensure B.C.’s health care system continues to be publicly administered, universally accessible, and sustainable over the long term.  Patients were given a legal right to access their medical information so that they can make informed decisions about their care. Pharmacists were given the ability to renew routine prescriptions. Nurses, Paramedics, Naturopaths, and Midwives are being trained and authorized to deliver a broader range of patient services.  Patient Care and Quality Review Boards were established to give patients an independent body to review and ensure patients receive the highest possible level of care. Through ActNow, the government also enhanced preventative health measures by expanding fitness initiatives, reducing the availability of junk food in public buildings and banning smoking in all public spaces.

It is Mr. Campbell’s core belief that all government services depend on maintaining a strong competitive economy. Under his leadership, British Columbia’s economy has continued to demonstrate tremendous strength. Over 400,000 new jobs have been created in B.C. since December 2001 - the best job creation record in Canada. B.C.’s unemployment is near the lowest on record.  Mr. Campbell and his government are committed to maintaining a strong competitive economy that allows all British Columbians to thrive.

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