Kamloops MLAs say B.C. budget falls short despite planned spending cuts

Kamloops MLAs Peter Milobar and Ward Stamer questioned the 2026 B.C. budget after Finance Minister Brenda Bailey outlined a record $13.3 billion deficit and a plan to cut 15,000 public-sector jobs over three years. They said the budget lacks timelines and detailed targets and expressed concern about cuts to capital projects and forestry spending.

The province presented its 2026 budget with measures intended to reduce spending, grow the economy and manage infrastructure costs. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey outlined a projected $13.3 billion deficit and a plan to eliminate 15,000 full-time public-sector positions over three years, alongside tax changes. The budget also reduces planned capital spending and will re‑pace several health and long-term care projects. Kamloops MLAs expressed concerns about a lack of timelines and specific targets for the staffing reductions and highlighted declines in forestry spending and revenues. Key facts: - Finance Minister Brenda Bailey announced a budget showing a $13.3 billion deficit and a pledge to cut 15,000 public-sector jobs over three years, with accompanying tax changes. - Kamloops MLAs Peter Milobar and Ward Stamer said the plan lacks timelines, yearly targets and clear staffing details, and they noted reduced forestry ministry spending and lower sector revenues. - The government plans to seek $3.5 billion in savings through expenditure management over three years, develop specific targets to reduce executive positions, reduce capital spending to $18.7 billion next fiscal year, and re‑pace several infrastructure projects. Summary: The budget sets out a three-year spending plan that includes staffing reductions, lower capital spending and measures the government says will save $3.5 billion. Local MLAs remain skeptical about whether the announced cuts and project re‑sequencing will be implemented without clearer timelines and targets. The government has said it will develop specific targets and proceed over a three-year period. Undetermined at this time whether those measures will achieve the projected savings.