Clark uses Twitter to rule out tax hikes in B.C. budget

Hours ahead of the release of the B.C budget, Premier Christy Clark has ruled out tax increases in the document.

Ms. Clark made the declaration on Twitter.

"To create & protect #bcjobs we will control spending and not raise taxes," says the declaration posted on the account of @christyclarkbc.

While the promise is consistent with Ms. Clark's pre-budget musings, the declaration on Twitter before a lockup where the budget will be presented to the media and stakeholders is unusual.

Tuesday's budget is the first for Ms. Clark since she was elected B.C Liberal leader last year, succeeding Gordon Campbell.

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon has said he will wipe out the $700-million deficit expected for 2013, balancing the books.

Watch globeandmail.com/bc for details of the budget this afternoon as Mr. Falcon speaks to the legislature.