B.C. premier defends 2026 budget and asks to be judged on outcomes

Premier David Eby defended the province's 2026 budget at a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event, saying economic growth is needed to stabilize finances amid a projected $13-billion deficit and rising debt. The business group gave the budget a D grade and raised concerns about expanded Provincial Sales Tax and long-term operating deficits.

Premier David Eby spoke to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade to defend the BC NDP government's 2026 budget and its approach to large projected deficits. He framed the budget around three priorities: growing the economy, stabilizing provincial finances, and protecting services. Eby said some borrowing is funding long-neglected infrastructure and argued cuts alone will not address rising health and operating costs. He also addressed business concerns about expanded Provincial Sales Tax and legal uncertainty over property title decisions. Key points: - Premier David Eby defended the budget at a business forum and emphasized economic growth as central to stabilizing provincial finances. - The province is facing a projected $13-billion deficit and rising taxpayer-supported debt, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade gave the budget a D grade. - One contested measure is expanding the Provincial Sales Tax to more professional services, which business leaders say could raise project and operating costs. - The government intends to defend private property clarity in court following a decision on Aboriginal title and has said it will pursue amendments to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; legal challenges are underway. Summary: The presentation highlighted the trade-offs the government sees between borrowing for infrastructure and long-term fiscal pressure, while business leaders voiced concerns about tax changes and operating deficits. Legal and legislative steps — including court challenges to a recent title decision and proposed DRIPA amendments — are the next stated developments.