Cost Shift

In June 2001 the provincial government introduced massive income tax cuts. It promised this would put more money in British Columbians’ pockets without a reduction in public services.
 
Cost Shift looks at what actually happened. It finds that costs for public services are in fact being transferred off the government’s books and onto individuals and families, and in some cases employers. Although income taxes were reduced, other fees and taxes have increased.
 
Cost Shift shows how the gains from tax cuts have been wiped out or significantly reduced by major new costs. These include: increased MSP premiums, de-listed health services, higher drug costs, higher tuition fees, higher gas tax and higher child care costs, among others.