Rustad would give tax breaks to billionaires and speculators while leaving families waiting for the help they need now

RICHMOND – David Eby shared his middle-class tax cut plan with families who will benefit more and faster than under John Rustad’s tax scheme. Yesterday, a video surfaced showing a star Rustad candidate openly pushing tax breaks for the top 2 percent while arguing that taxes on the wealthy are a bigger affordability challenge than housing costs.

“It’s really tough out there for families who have been hit hard by the rising cost of everyday essentials, like groceries,” said Eby. “Under our plan, families will get more support–and you’ll get it right away. John Rustad would hand tax breaks to billionaires and speculators while leaving you waiting for the help you need now.”

Eby’s middle-class tax cut provides a benefit to every adult in a household. Rustad’s long wait tax scheme is limited to housing costs. This means that a multi-generational household with four adults would get more than double from the BC NDP plan than from Rustad’s over four years. Renters, young people who share accommodation, and those who bought a home years ago also lose out under the Rustad scheme.

“With the Rustad Long Wait, a penthouse owner with high rent or mortgage would get the full benefit–while struggling middle-class families do worse,” said Eby. “It’s no wonder those with multi-million dollar mansions have picked John Rustad as their guy. I’m on the side of everyday people and families who just want to end the day a little further ahead than when they started it.”

On Sunday, Rustad’s platform confirmed he opposes “income tax hikes introduced by the NDP.” The only income tax increases brought in by the BC NDP were on the top 2% of income earners. Meanwhile, net provincial taxes for middle-class families are lower now than when Rustad was in government.

Background: Who Benefits from David Eby’s middle-class tax cut vs Rustad’s Long Wait – Total Benefit for 2025-2028: