Several B.C. multi-generational families met with B.C.'s NDP leader David Eby in Richmond on Wednesday morning to discuss how medical benefits and daily living costs are influencing their votes in the upcoming provincial election.
But before that, Eby announced that his government would promise a $2,000 middle-class income tax cut to households to support all adults in B.C. if re-elected.
"The struggle that people are facing with affordability is very real," said Eby.
"I'm on the side of the British Columbians who are just trying to finish the day and get a little bit ahead, not just (to) get by."
Among the three families present, Sharan Pawa, a Surrey resident, emphasized how important the medical health system is in her voting decision.
As the sole income earner in her household, Pawa said she has to ensure her family's medical needs are met.
"Living in a multi-generational home and as the only income earner, that is stress on me to keep earning, keep getting a good wage so I can support my family with any costs that may come up," said Pawa, adding medical costs are a huge budget she often needs to think about.
She told the Richmond News that she was constantly being reminded to pay for her MSP premiums while growing up as a teenager when the BC Liberals were in power.
"Teenagers at that age shouldn't have to worry about missing medical payments," she said.
"In high school, I was learning about the Canadian government and civics and how health care should be free for us, and meanwhile, we're being charged MSP premium fees, and it didn't make sense to me. It didn't connect. I didn't think it was fair."
When the NDP government came into power, Pawa said it created "financial relief" for her on an emotional level.
As an early-30s woman, Pawa said she is looking to save for her own home.
"Everyone in the whole world is trying to take money away from us all the time, whereas this government (NDP) is looking for ways to give money back through tax cuts," she added.
"Of course, the NDP is not perfect. No government, no leader is perfect. But what I see in the current government is that they're really trying their best to listen to people."
Pawa is pushing for all those of legal voting age to put in their votes this coming Oct. 19.
"For voters in this election, even if you don't commonly vote or maybe stay out of politics, this is the time now to start. There is kind of no choice."
Meanwhile, Burnaby senior Rajinder Singh Pandher spoke on concerns of transit costs for those in his age group.
ICBC insurance and transit costs as well as cellphone expenses are increasing at an "unbelievable rate."
"This bus pass is so important for thousands of seniors who don't drive and will help them move around more conveniently," said Pandher.
"Health for seniors is important and allowing transportation costs to decrease for us will allow us to save and focus on the health side. We'll be moving more to stay healthy."
Pandher added the cost of medicine for seniors can get pricy, especially those who are retired with limited income.
Budgeting for a cellphone and phone plan is another issue for Pandher.
"The cost of using and having a cellphone is high in Canada, yet, these are basic things you can't live without in this time and age," he added.
"We hope, whichever government comes into power can address these high costs."
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