Federal election campaigning continued Thursday with an NDP promise to eliminate an estimated $2 billion in government subsidies to the oil sands, and put the money toward clean energy.
"Most people in this region, I think, would agree that we should not be subsidizing the oil industry," said Prince George-Peace River NDP candidate Lois Boone, pointing to the fact the oil industry is profitable.
The oil sector also gets little sympathy from most people when prices at the gas pumps are continually hiked, particularly just before a long weekend, said Boone.
The subsidies would be far better used in developing the solar, wind and geothermal energy sectors, she said.
The announcement was the latest NDP promise to come out of the May 2 federal election.
Boone faces Conservative candidate Bob Zimmer, Liberal candidate Ben Levine and Green candidate Hilary Crowley in Prince George-Peace River.
Zimmer is considered a frontrunner as conservative parties -- including Reform and the Canadian Alliance -- have won the riding for the past four decades.
The Conservatives and Liberals also rolled out more campaign announcements this week.
The Conservatives promised a one-year small-business tax credit to encourage hiring, originally in the federal budget.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and play a vital role in ensuring our region continues to compete in the global economy," said Zimmer. "This new tax credit will help these business owners hire new workers, providing new opportunities for economic growth in Northeastern B.C."
The Liberals promised to expand Canada Pension Plan benefits with the help of the provinces.
While Prince George-Peace River has a full slate of candidates from the main parties, there are still positions that have not been filled in the two other northern B.C. ridings.
In Cariboo-Prince George, the Liberals have yet to declare a candidate. The NDP are expected to nominate Jon Van Barneveld from Prince George on Saturday, the sole nominee. Conservative incumbent Dick Harris' only opponent is Green Heidi Redl.
In Skeena-Bulkley Valley, the Liberals also not declared a candidate.
So far, NDP incumbent Nathan Cullen is facing Conservative Clay Harmon, Green Roger Benham and Christian Heritage Party candidate Rod Taylor.
Summary of major promises made to date
Conservatives
- Allowing families with children under 18 to split up to $50,000 in income to pay less tax, but only once the federal books are balanced - likely not until 2015. Tories say it will cost $2.5 billion annually and save 1.8 million families an average of $1,300 a year.
- A one-year small-business tax credit to encourage hiring, originally in the federal budget, of up to $1,000 when employment insurance costs go up. The Conservatives say it would be available to 525,000 employers and save them up to $165 million.
Liberals
- Student-aid grants to post-secondary students of $1,000 a year for four years, $1,500 a year for students from lower-income families, using the existing RESP system. Liberals say the program would cost $1 billion a year.
- Expand Canada Pension Plan benefits with the help of the provinces, allow people to voluntarily save an additional five to 10 per cent of their income in a CPP-backed fund and boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement by $700 million a year.
- Start fund to create early learning and child-care spaces, with initial $500-million investment, rising to $1 billion by fourth year. Would not replace $100-a-month Universal Childcare Benefit.
New Democrats
- Cap credit card interest rates at five percentage points above prime and limit transaction fees retailers are forced to pay credit card companies. The NDP says the rate cap would save a typical cardholder an average of about $60 a month.
- Cut small-business taxes to nine per cent from 11, set up a job-creation tax credit for businesses worth up to $4,500 for each new hire and extend the accelerated capital cost allowance for four more years. The NDP estimates cost at $2.3 billion a year, financed by cancelling Conservative cuts to corporate taxes.
- Eliminate $2 billion in government subsidies for oilsands, and put the money toward clean energy.
- CP
