B.C.'s Eby promises new tax on millionaires to help pay for health care

British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby speaks during a provincial election campaign announcement at Peace Arch Provincial Park near the Canada-U.S. border, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby said his party would introduce a new tax bracket for those who earn $1 million or more to help pay for health care, if re-elected.

The leader made the promise Sunday, while campaigning in Comox on Vancouver Island, after he toured ridings in southern British Columbia ahead of the Oct. 24 election day.

“We are glad when people are successful, it’s fantastic,” he said. “We cheer for them, we want them to be successful, and it’s also right to ask people, who earn a little bit more to pitch-in in a moment like this, when people across the province need those strong public services.”

Eby did not offer specifics about the proposed new tax bracket, but promised more details at a scheduled campaign stop in Victoria later Sunday.

The announcement comes after Eby said his government would introduce price guards for certain groceries, as well as gasoline and diesel, while temporarily lowering the provincial motor fuel tax by 10 cents per litres.

Eby said during the early phases of the campaign that his party would introduce a new tax on empty condominiums and lift the speculation and vacancy tax.

When asked whether promises of new taxes and regulations would make businesses feel unwelcome, he said his party is not fighting against them, but standing up for British Columbians.

“The business community, as much as anybody else, depends on a functioning province, where truckers are able to deliver goods, where people are able to find homes, where their employees are able to find health care, and I know they understand that.”

Eby’s tax announcement comes as the field of candidates running in the election is set.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2026.