VICTORIA — Stagnant wages, astronomical housing costs and constant nickel-and-diming by Premier Christy Clark has pushed British Columbians into the worst household debt in the nation, say New Democrats.

“Premier Clark has abandoned B.C. families struggling from paycheque to paycheque,” said Carole James, New Democrat spokesperson for finance. “She re-announced today some regulation of the debt settlement industry that other provinces have already implemented, but she’s ignoring the reason families got into these situations in the first place.”

In their annual BC Check-Up, released in September, the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia say consumer debt per capita in B.C. is a whopping $10,000 higher than the national average of $49,624, and is still rising.

“Despite clear signals that parents, students and workers are borrowing just to cover their basic daily costs, Premier Clark continues to reach into their wallets for more,” said James. “She’s hiked up MSP and ICBC premiums, bridge tolls, ferry fares and hydro rates.

“Everywhere from campsites to classrooms, British Columbians are paying more out of pocket and borrowing to make ends meet. It just goes to show that Christy Clark isn’t there for the people of British Columbia.”