The provincial budget unveiled this week in the legislature isn't sitting well with the NDP MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake.
Kathy Corrigan argues while British Columbia is expected to post an $879-million surplus this year, it's being accomplished on the backs of average families.
"The reason there is a balanced budget is because the government has cut services and will increase fees for average families," she told the NOW.
In his speech on Tuesday, Finance Minister Mike de Jong announced MSP premiums will go up by four per cent, while B.C. Hydro, ICBC and B.C. Ferry rates are also expected to rise.
But it's the government's decision to lift the surcharge on high-income earners imposed in the 2013 budget that Corrigan says is "incomprehensible."
"Particularly when we have the highest level of inequality in the country, it doesn't make sense that the government would give a $230 million tax cut to the richest two per cent of British Columbians, while giving a measly $5 million to low-income earners."
Applauded by all parties was the elimination of the Liberals' policy to claw back child-support payments to single parents on income assistance.
Other items from the $46.5-billion budget include $3 billion to the health care sector over three years; a tax credit worth $12.65 per child for fitness equipment and more money for Community Living B.C.
What didn't carry much weight in de Jong's plan was talk of B.C.'s much anticipated liquefied natural gas industry, with eighteen proponents considering setting up shop across the province.
"We remain optimistic, but what we won't do is make budgetary assumptions until that first final investment decision is taken," de Jong said.
All in all, Corrigan wasn't surprised by what the budget had to offer and called it a disappointment.
