February 10, 2010
MLA Horne Happy More Money Going to BC Families

VICTORIA – Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Doug Horne says the government's record of significant tax cuts continues to save B.C. families money.

“We today have the lowest personal income tax rate for individual taxpayers in Canada on income up to $118,000,” Horne said in response to the government’s throne speech. “We’ve increased the basic personal amount tax credit by $1,627 to $11,000 effective January 1, 2010.”

Horne pointed out that people earning $15,000 can expect to have an extra $403 in their pockets and for those earning $70,000 they can expect $2,297 more in their pocket at the end of the year.

“With these tax cuts we have built an economy that allowed us to increase spending significantly, spending on the services that British Columbians care about most,” added Horne.

Horne also pointed out the importance of leveraging the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to boost B.C.’s long term economic growth. Horne cited the Conference Board of Canada’s Winter 2009 Provincial Outlook, which states the province will get back on its feet next year. Real GDP will turn around from a 0.1 per cent drop in 2009 to a nation-leading 4.3 per cent gain in 2010.

“I can tell you one thing for sure, our government is firmly behind the Olympics, we get it, we understand the opportunity the games represent, we will represent all British Columbians and we will not squander this opportunity,” said Horne.

Throne Speech 2010 recognizes the advantage the province has in hosting the 2010 Games and states the province will use the year ahead to build on the Olympic momentum in planning ahead for future generations.

Visit Doug’s website at www.doughornemla.bc.ca

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