Amidst the anticipation surrounding B.C.’s 2026 budget unveiling, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey braced for potential backlash, dubbing herself the most unpopular figure in the province. As reactions trickle in, it appears her fears may be coming true.
Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, graded the budget a disappointing D, citing concerns over its historic deficit and misleading tax breaks for businesses.
Bailey defended the budget as a prudent move, likening it to responsible financial decisions made by households. However, critics like Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayer Federation argue that hidden tax hikes and the reintroduction of bracket creep could burden families.
The budget failed to impress various groups, with seniors feeling overlooked and climate activists deeming it inadequate for environmental protection. The Sierra Club BC criticized the prioritization of industries over nature preservation, while YWCA’s Erin Seeley bemoaned the lack of funding for addressing gender racism.
Amid the disapproval, B.C.’s health-care providers found solace in the budget’s $2.3 billion injection into the system to address critical unmet needs, especially in specialist care.
Keyphrase: BC 2026 budget