The 2026 British Columbia Budget: Reactions and Impacts
The recent unveiling of the 2026 British Columbia budget has sparked a wave of responses from various groups across the province. The budget includes a tax-rate increase, a record deficit, and cuts to the public sector. Here’s a snapshot of what key figures and organizations are saying about the budget:
B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey stated, “It’s our time to take a pause on some of the things we want to do, to do the things that we need to do.”
In contrast, B.C. Conservative Party finance critic Peter Milobar criticized the budget, describing it as an “assault on seniors, working families, and the small businesses that drive our economy.”
BC Green Party finance critic Rob Botterell raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the budget, stating, “This budget is built on the backs of British Columbians — and it is crushing them.”
Other voices chimed in, with BC General Employees’ Union president Paul Finch emphasizing the potential negative impact on front line services and the economy. Meanwhile, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives senior economist Marc Lee remarked, “They definitely seemed to manage to piss off everybody.”
The budget’s fiscal outlook also drew criticism, with Bridgitte Anderson, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, highlighting the substantial debt increase projected over the next three years.
Education stakeholders weighed in as well, with BC Teachers’ Federation President Carole Gordon acknowledging the budget’s support for public education while calling for more investment in learning environments.
BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore expressed concern over the lack of strategy for the struggling post-secondary sector amid program cuts and layoffs.
Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt pointed out potential challenges for family caregivers and seniors due to delays in care-home construction.
The private sector’s response was not optimistic, with Business Council of British Columbia vice-president of policy David Williams raising concerns about the significant tax increases in light of the weak private sector.
Overall, the 2026 British Columbia budget has evoked a range of reactions and concerns from various sectors, painting a complex picture of its impacts on the province.