It was an ugly April Fools’ Day for B.C. taxpayers as several rate increases took effect April 1. (CTV, CKNW, News 1130, Sun, Province)

For the unlucky Lower Mainlanders, there was another two cents added to the gas tax (approved by the regional mayors and earmarked for TransLink)—bringing our total tax burden to 50 cents a litre, the highest in North America.

BC Hydro customers will now pay $70 more a year. BC Ferries passengers also got hit with a four per cent jump.

It’s clear these organizations never talk to one another. I’d like to see every level of government who can tax or levy fees, meet annually to discuss the burden on taxpayers. While there are dozens of agencies dipping into our pockets, there’s only one taxpayer—and we are stretched thin.

We are now less than 14 months from a provincial election: we'll be pushing the BC Liberals, BC NDP, BC Conservatives, and BC Greens to tell us their plans to save taxpayers from being nickel and dimed to death.