VICTORIA, BC — BC Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black said today that the BC NDP’s 2026 budget asks British Columbians to pay more while offering no credible path to balance, no clear delivery plan for critical infrastructure, and no long-term strategy to secure the province’s financial future.
“This budget confirms what many families already feel — they are being asked to pay more while getting less,” Black said. “At a time when the cost of living is high and economic uncertainty is real, the government should be demonstrating discipline, clarity, and a credible path forward.” But instead, this plan piles on debt, delays essential projects, and raises taxes on working families.”
Key Lowlights in Today’s Budget
- Higher taxes for families: 60% of taxpayers will pay more under the new base income tax — leaving households with less to cover everyday costs.
- Critical projects delayed: Long-term care homes, student housing, and Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 are postponed, forcing seniors, students, and patients to wait longer for care and support.
- Unchecked spending: The deficit jumps 38% to $13.3 billion, with no credible plan to return to balance.
- Debt spiraling out of control: Taxpayer-supported debt is projected to hit $189 billion, limiting funding for healthcare, infrastructure, and essential services in the years ahead.
- Capital investment cut: Investment drops from $20.4B to $18.7B next year and will fall to $16.1B by 2028 — delaying the projects British Columbians were promised and rely on.
“These numbers matter,” Black said. “Debt at this scale limits our ability to invest in frontline healthcare, complete critical infrastructure, and respond to the next economic downturn. Delaying key projects puts pressure directly on families, seniors, and students, while increasing taxes on working British Columbians at a time they can least afford it.”
Black emphasized that responsible government requires clear priorities and a sustainable plan.
“As Premier, my government would live within its means, protect frontline services, and prioritize the infrastructure projects British Columbians have already been promised. We would set a credible path back to balance while creating the conditions for economic growth.”
Black outlined three principles that should guide provincial finances:
- Discipline: Spending growth must be sustainable and transparent.
- Delivery: Critical healthcare, housing, and infrastructure projects must move forward on time.
- Fairness: Families already stretched by housing and daily costs should not face broad-based tax increases to fund uncontrolled spending.
“British Columbians are hardworking and resilient. They deserve leadership that respects their contributions and manages their tax dollars with care,” Black said. “This province has extraordinary potential. With disciplined leadership and clear priorities, we can strengthen our economy, deliver the services people rely on, and restore confidence in the future of British Columbia.”