The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding the B.C. Conservative Party’s plan to cut personal income taxes, saving about $1,000 per worker.

“British Columbians are fighting to afford the basics, and this would be very welcome relief for working families, saving them about $2,000 per working couple,” said Kris Sims, CTF B.C. Director. “Taxpayers are calling on all political parties in B.C. to meet or beat this big income tax cut promise during this election.”

B.C. Conservative Party Leader Lorne Doerkson announced Thursday that if his party forms government, it will raise the basic personal amount exempted from provincial income taxes from $13,216 to $32,000, making it the highest threshold in Canada.

That means people would be able to earn more money in B.C. before they start paying provincial income tax.

Current provincial basic personal amount exemptions:

British Columbia: $13,216
Alberta: $22,769
Saskatchewan: $20,381
Manitoba: $15,780
Ontario: $12,989
Quebec: $18,952
New Brunswick: $13,664
Nova Scotia: $11,932
Prince Edward Island: $15,000
Newfoundland & Labrador: $15,000

“This would be a big and clear tax cut and it is welcome news,” said Sims. “All parties and politicians need to wake up and realise that folks in B.C. are truly struggling to afford things like food, fuel and homes.

“Now is the time for cutting spending and cutting taxes so people can earn and keep more of their own money.”