B.C. budget aims to ‘stand strong’ against tariffs

On the same day the U.S. announced new tariffs, British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey tabled the province’s 2025 budget—one focused on protecting the B.C. economy while trying to limit damage to the province’s books.

There are no sweeping new promises. In fact, some NDP campaign commitments from last fall’s election are being pushed back at least another year. With so much uncertainty, this budget will likely be judged more on its strategic direction than individual line items.

Here’s what you need to know:

By the numbers

• $83.7 billion total spending — up 5.9%
• $10.9 billion deficit — declining slightly over three years
• $43 billion potential GDP loss due to tariffs by 2029
• $4 billion in contingencies

Highlights

Tough tariff talk: Budget day is usually the Finance Minister’s moment, but Premier David Eby took the unusual step of speaking first—setting the tone for B.C.’s response to the tariffs. Initial measures include pulling liquor from Republican-led states off store shelves and prioritizing “buying Canadian” in public procurement. Acknowledging B.C.’s limited leverage, he declared that the province is “big enough to stand on our own two feet.”

Reining it in, but still in the red: A record $10.9-billion deficit doesn’t exactly scream restraint. But with B.C. already $9 billion in the red last year and tariffs threatening economic fallout, the government chose to protect core services and projects it was already committed to while avoiding big new investments. That means pausing a major NDP election commitment: a $1,000 rebate and tax cut. Bailey says the government will try to find $1.5 billion in savings by reviewing existing programs and freezing public service hiring — early steps toward lowering the deficit. 

New health spending: Health care, already the largest item in the budget, is one of the few areas seeing a major funding boost: $4.2 billion over three years to expand capacity, including $443 million to support the primary care strategy. While the tariff fight dominates headlines, access to health care remains one of B.C.’s most pressing challenges. 

Kickstarting economic growth: As part of its initial tariff response, the government is working to fast-track 18 natural resource projects worth an estimated $20 billion in economic activity. The budget also includes enhanced film tax credits to attract more Canadian productions, increased incentives for interactive digital media and small businesses, and an extended new mine allowance to support critical minerals development.

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