B.C. residents get climate action tax credit bump

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — The majority of B.C. residents will receive double the annual amount for the climate action tax credit in July.

The boost is part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan. Premier John Horgan announced the $5-billion action plan in March to help British Columbians and businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

Prior to the plan, the scheduled July payment was up to $43.50 for each adult and up to $12.75 per child. An eligible family of four was set to receive up to $112.50.

Eligible individuals will now receive up to $218, while children will receive up to $64 in a one-time increase, according to a release from the province Thursday.

An eligible family of four will receive up to $564 — an increase of up to $174.50 for individuals, $51.25 for children, and $451.50 for a family of four.

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More than 80 per cent of B.C. residents will automatically receive the enhanced climate action tax credit, starting this week.

“Many British Columbians are still worried about how they can cover costs, such as transportation, so they can return to work, pay for groceries and find day camps for their children,” Finance Minister Carole James says.

“The enhanced climate action tax credit puts extra money in the pockets of British Columbians for their household expenses and to spend at local businesses. This is a needed boost as we work together to restart the economy.”

The COVID-19 plan includes the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers that was recently expanded to include workers whose jobs were affected by the pandemic between March 1 and March 15.