The NDP left office with a budget surplus the last time they were in power.

According to a G+M report the provincial economy at the time faced a decline because of "unforseen costs such as export duties stemming from the softwood-lumber dispute and the economic downturn in Asia.  As well as "a major contributor to B.C.'s woes is the unforseen collapse in electricity and natural-gas prices, which will shave about $1 billion from revenues this year."

The real estate industry is now the province's largest GDP contributor.  The BC Liberals need the  churn from the commodification of housing, and the speculation on our real estate, both domestically and overseas.

There is a reason why the RE industry has the ear of government, is a top contributor to political fundraising, and accompanies the government on trade missions..

When all else fails, keep selling housing units overseas.