VICTORIA – More than 500,000 B.C. families will see one of the largest ever medical services premium (MSP) tax hikes on January 1, thanks to Christy Clark’s MSP shell game, says B.C. New Democrat Leader John Horgan.

“Medical premiums are an unfair tax on an already struggling middle class,” said Horgan. “Now Christy Clark is sneaking in another 10 per cent increase on half a million families while claiming she is doing the opposite.”

“Instead of eliminating the unfair MSP tax, Christy Clark keeps tinkering with it, playing a shell game with British Columbians to try to save her own political future,” said Horgan.

Beginning January 1, B.C. couples without children at home will have their MSP rates increased by $168 per year. These MSP rate changes will rake in an extra $46 million a year.

“When she became Premier, Christy Clark’s priority was to give the richest two per cent of British Columbians a billion-dollar tax break. Meanwhile, she’s jacked up the unfair MSP tax by nearly 25 per cent since then. On January 1, she’s doing it again. This time she’s targeting seniors and young couples,” said Horgan.

“Christy Clark thinks senior couples living on fixed incomes, and young people who are just starting their professional lives don’t deserve a break. I think all British Columbians should be treated fairly,” said Horgan.

“It’s time we eliminated MSP for good. No more of Christy Clark’s tinkering around the edges.”