Ten years ago, the BC Conservative Party was barely a blip on the political radar. Fast-forward to today, and they’ve grown into a serious force with their BC Conservatives 2025 platform. Their message has shifted—from classic business conservatism to a more populist, anti-tax, and socially conservative agenda under leader John Rustad.
In this article, we explore how their policies have changed over the last decade, what they stand for now, and what that means for everyday British Columbians.
Economy & Taxes: From Business-Friendly to Tax-Slasher
2015: The party promoted low corporate taxes, smaller government, and private-sector growth. They wanted to cut red tape, end the property transfer tax, and encourage private investment.
2025: Today, the BC Conservatives propose bold tax cuts for individuals and families. Their “Rustad Rebate” offers up to $3,000/month in tax-free housing payments, starting with $1,500 in 2026. They also want to eliminate the provincial carbon tax, cut fuel surcharges, and reduce small business tax to 1%.
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Housing & Infrastructure: Local Control, Big Projects
2015: Their platform focused on removing housing regulations and supporting private rentals and single-family homes.
2025: Now, the party wants to scrap new density rules (like fourplex zoning) and return power to municipalities. They’ve pledged to fast-track permits, and they support major infrastructure projects like widening highways and building new bridges, with no tolls.
Climate & Environment: Full U-Turn?
2015: The party supported mild pro-industry environmental policies like eco-labeling and hydro development.
2025: The shift is huge. They want to cancel CleanBC, eliminate low-carbon fuel standards, and boost investment in LNG and nuclear power. Some critics say this could weaken conservation laws.
Public Safety & Healthcare: Tough on Crime, Mixed on Care
2015: The party supported fiscal restraint in healthcare and privatizing ICBC.
2025: Today, they’ve launched a hardline public safety plan:
- More police
- Tougher bail rules
- Removal of tent cities
- Zero tolerance for street crime
On health, they support private surgical clinics, no vaccine mandates for workers, and more out-of-province options for treatment.
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Education & Social Values: Curriculum Changes Ahead?
2015: The BC Conservatives had a neutral stance on school policies, with support for private schools.
2025: They now want to remove SOGI 123 from classrooms, bring back letter grades and standardized tests, and review school books to eliminate what they call “ideological bias.
Indigenous Relations: From Business Deals to Controversy
2015: The party supported private economic deals with Indigenous communities.
2025: They say they’re focused on “economic reconciliation”, not symbolic gestures. But their stance against UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) has been heavily criticized by Indigenous leaders, who call the plan shallow and underfunded.
At a Glance: Then vs Now
| Topic | 2015 BC Conservatives | 2025 BC Conservatives |
|---|---|---|
| Taxes & Economy | Low taxes, small biz support | Deep tax cuts, Rustad rebate, deregulation |
| Housing & Infra | Private rentals, zoning flexibility | Scrap density rules, speed up permits, major infrastructure expansion |
| Climate & Energy | Mild environmental policies | Scrap CleanBC, pro-fossil fuels, nuclear energy support |
| Public Safety | Budget-focused | “Zero-tolerance” crime policy, anti-tent city stance |
| Health | Privatize ICBC | Private clinics, anti-mandates, expand out-of-province access |
| Education | Private options | Remove SOGI 123, restore testing, review books |
| Indigenous Affairs | Business partnerships | Economic focus, against UNDRIP, funding disputes |
So What Does It All Mean?
The BC Conservative Party of today is very different from what it was a decade ago. It’s moved from quiet fiscal conservatism to a loud, bold message:
More money in your pocket
Less government control
Fewer climate and diversity policies
Strong law-and-order push
But critics warn this could come at the cost of inclusiveness, Indigenous rights, and climate action.
Written by Everyana Media Team
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