Skip to Main content

6.74°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Ads

Feb 28, 2025 6:35 PM - Connect Newsroom

B.C. Government to Present 2025-26 Provincial Budget Amid Economic Challenges

Share On

b-c-government-to-present-2025-26-provincial-budget-amid-economic-challenges

The provincial government has already projected a $9 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, the largest budget deficit in Canadian history relative to the size of a provincial economy.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The B.C. government, led by Premier David Eby, will present the provincial budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year on March 4. This budget will mark the first presented by the new Finance Minister, Brenda Bailey. Minister Bailey faces the challenge of balancing the budget as tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump continue to threaten the province’s businesses and jobs.

The provincial government has already projected a $9 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, the largest budget deficit in Canadian history relative to the size of a provincial economy.

In December, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey stated that the NDP government would focus on reducing the record deficit gradually by strengthening the economy, rather than cutting essential services. The province’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31.

Latest news

ottawa-province-to-provide-rent-support-for-b-c-gender-based-violence-survivors

Ottawa, province to provide rent support for B.C. gender-based violence survivors

The British Columbia and federal governments have announced funding to ensure adequate housing for survivors of gender-based violence in the province. The B.C. Housing Ministry says in a news release that Ottawa is providing nearly $37 million over four years and the province will match the investment. It says the money will be used to help victims transition to secure rental housing in the private market. The ministry says the benefit provided by BC Housing will supply an average of $600 per household each month, but notes that amount will be determined based on income, family size and rent c

premier-david-eby-calls-for-tax-on-u-s-thermal-coal-passing-through-b-c-in-response-to-trumps-tariffs

CanadaMar 12, 2025

Premier David Eby Calls for Tax on U.S. Thermal Coal Passing Through B.C. in Response to Trump’s Tariffs

Premier David Eby has urged the federal government to impose a tax on U.S. thermal coal passing through British Columbia in retaliation to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. B.C. ports, particularly the Port of Vancouver, play a crucial role in facilitating coal exports from U.S. states such as Montana and Wyoming, which depend on Canada to reach Asian markets. According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Port of Vancouver handled approximately 17.4 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2024, with about three-quarters of it originating from the U.S. and being shipped to foreig

canadas-foreign-affairs-minister-mélanie-joly-criticizes-trump-over-tariffs

CanadaMar 12, 2025

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly Criticizes Trump Over Tariffs

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that his reasons for imposing tariffs are constantly shifting. Joly argued that Trump's main goal behind the trade war with Canada is to exert economic pressure in an attempt to bring Canada under U.S. influence. Joly emphasized that Canada will not yield to this pressure, noting that Canadians have made their stance clear. In related news, Mark Carney, who is expected to become Canada's next Prime Minister, has also weighed in on the issue. Carney expressed his willingness to engage

bank-of-canada-cuts-key-interest-rate-amid-trade-war

CanadaMar 12, 2025

Bank of Canada Cuts Key Interest Rate Amid Trade War

On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, marking the seventh consecutive interest rate cut. This decision comes in response to the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the economy had started the year strong, with solid GDP growth and inflation around two percent. However, tariff uncertainty has impacted business spending and consumer confidence, prompting the central bank to lower the interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point. Macklem also emphasized that the bank will proceed

kejriwal-and-cm-mann-to-hold-rally-in-ludhiana-on-march-18

IndiaMar 12, 2025

Kejriwal and CM Mann to Hold Rally in Ludhiana on March 18

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will hold a rally in Ludhiana on March 18. During the rally, both leaders will also visit the Civil Hospital, where they will inaugurate modern healthcare facilities. Ahead of the upcoming by-election for the Ludhiana West seat, the AAP has already begun its preparations, although the Election Commission has yet to announce the election date. The party has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the seat, which became vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi.

Ads

Related News

post card alt

Ottawa, province to provide rent support for B.C. gender-based violence survivors

The British Columbia and federal governments have announced funding to ensure adequate housing for survivors of gender-based violence in the province. The B.C. Housing Ministry says in a news release that Ottawa is providing nearly $37 million over four years and the province will match the investment. It says the money will be used to help victims transition to secure rental housing in the private market. The ministry says the benefit provided by BC Housing will supply an average of $600 per household each month, but notes that amount will be determined based on income, family size and rent c

post card alt

Rebel BC Conservative MLAs Consider Forming New Party

Three rebel BC Conservative MLAs are considering forming a new political party after the party recently expelled Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie due to controversial comments about residential schools. In solidarity, two other MLAs, Jordan Kelly and Tara Armstrong, also left the party. To gain party status in the BC legislature, a minimum of two MLAs is required. This means that Brodie, Armstrong, and Kelly could qualify for party status and benefit from several advantages. The new party would be allocated an annual budget of approximately $767,000 for staff and office expenses. Additio

post card alt

BC Conservatives Face Leadership Crisis Over Residential Schools Comments

The BC Conservatives are currently grappling with a leadership crisis over comments regarding residential schools, putting John Rustad's leadership in jeopardy. The party is scheduled to hold a leadership review this fall, and Conservative strategist Allie Blades suggests that recent events will serve as a significant test for Rustad’s leadership. So far, three MLAs have chosen to sit as independents in the provincial legislature due to the party's internal divide. The dispute began in February after Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie made controversial comments about the former resident

Ads

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2024 AKASH BROADCASTING INC.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

BC Children's Hospital