YOUR PERSPECTIVE: NDP fails Fraser Valley commuters

The Official Opposition used this space last week to urge Premier David Eby and his NDP government to show some leadership and make progress on a deal with transit workers in the Fraser Valley. Sadly, their failure to step in has led to an indefinite suspension of service, which is having significant impacts on residents trying to get to work, school, appointments and other commitments.

What are people supposed to do? In addition to failing to act on the transit strike, the NDP hasn’t provided any relief to those struggling in the midst of B.C.’s cost of living crisis. Commuting by vehicle simply isn’t an option for many people, since our province continues to have the highest gas prices in Canada. While the Official Opposition has repeatedly called on the government to temporarily suspend the two provincial motor fuel taxes for immediate savings, the NDP have ignored us and the needs of British Columbians.

The NDP have also plowed ahead with an unfair increase to the tax collected on used car sales. The new rules will tax sales on the greater value between the actual sale price and the average sale price. So, if you find a good deal on a used car for your family, you will now have to pay more in taxes on that sale. NDP MLA Brenda Bailey even accused B.C. families of committing “tax evasion” on these purchases. My colleague Peter Milobar introduced a bill to provide a PST exemption for all used car sales under $20,000, but the NDP have refused to debate it.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a public transit system that works for the people of the Fraser Valley. At a time when we have more people moving south of the Fraser River than ever before, expanding transit must be a priority. In my ideal world, the next extension would at least go all the way to Chilliwack. Whether it’s the SkyTrain or some other form of rapid transit, it’s imperative that we improve connections to build liveable cities.