B.C. petition calls for an end to MSP premiums
Green Party petition contains more than 62,000 signatures

The B.C. Green Party has presented an online petition in the B.C. Legislature, signed by more than 62,000 people from across the province, calling for an end to MSP Premiums.
Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver says it's clear British Columbians want the tax changed. Under the current system, everyone making more than $30,000 a year pays the same amount — about $75 a month. Those making less than $30,000 are exempt.

Weaver says B.C. should think about adopting the Ontario model where the amount paid is tied to taxable income with payments starting at $20,000 a year and increasing gradually before topping out at about $200,000.
"Any collections, any credit agency, all of that is thrown away because as a matter of law everyone must file tax returns," he said.
- B.C. signals change to MSP premiums for single-parent families
- $462M in MSP payments overdue says Canadian Taxpayers Federation
- MSP hike triggers new calls for reforms
Ucluelet resident Michelle Coulter, who started the petition, says she has been surprised by the reaction.
"It seems a little surreal," said Coulter. "We are obviously striking a chord with British Columbians. I sure hope the province is listening because we need to make changes for everyday British Columbians that need to work everyday to put food on the table."
'Health care is not free': province
But the province is not willing at this point to make drastic MSP Premium changes. Finance Minister Mike de Jong insists that "health care is not free." He says if the premium is attached to income, taxpayers won't have the understanding their money is going to health care.

"The most frequent criticism I get when I am out and about in B.C. is I really wish I knew specifically what my money will purchase," de Jong said.
The government does have plans to introduce some changes to the premiums. In next week's provincial budget details of a break for single parent families will be released.
Right now, one-parent families with two children pay about $150 a month in premiums. The province is planning on changing that so they only pay about $75 a month.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Member
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?