By the numbers as British Columbia releases its 2026 budget

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Feb, 2026 12:59 PM

Here are some of the key figures in British Columbia's 2026 budget, delivered by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey on Tuesday.

5.6 per cent: The new income tax rate for the lowest tax bracket, for people with taxable earnings of up to $50,363.

$76: The increase in income tax for the average taxpayer in B.C.

60 per cent: Proportion of taxpayers who will be paying more as a result of the 2026 budget.

$13.3 billion: The record-high provincial deficit forecast for 2026.

$183 billion: Provincial debt forecast for fiscal 2026.

$235 billion: Provincial debt forecast for fiscal 2028.

15,000: Reduction of public service employees over the next three years.

$1.7 billion: Reduction in capital spending next fiscal year, compared to previous forecast.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

A B.C. budget few like, with job cuts, higher taxes and increased debt and deficit

No wonder British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey thought she was going to be "the least popular person in the province."

A B.C. budget few like, with job cuts, higher taxes and increased debt and deficit

MP Matt Jeneroux leaves Conservatives to join Liberal caucus

Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor from the Conservative party to join the Liberal caucus — and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is accusing him of betraying voters in his Edmonton riding.

MP Matt Jeneroux leaves Conservatives to join Liberal caucus

'More pleasant': Canadian Muslims mark first full winter Ramadan in years

Canadian Muslims are marking the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, but one thing will be new about the most festive and holiest month in Islam.

'More pleasant': Canadian Muslims mark first full winter Ramadan in years

Prime Minister Carney returning to B.C. one week after mass shooting

Prime Minister Mark Carney is returning to B.C. today less than a week after he attended a vigil honouring the victims of a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Prime Minister Carney returning to B.C. one week after mass shooting

Tough sell for B.C. budget featuring tax hike, record deficit and construction delays

British Columbia's finance minister has started to sell her "tough" budget, but at least one business leader says Brenda Bailey should have made deeper cuts because of the "scary" deficit numbers.

Tough sell for B.C. budget featuring tax hike, record deficit and construction delays

B.C. budget eyes staffing but finance minister says no big service cuts or tax hikes

The British Columbia government won't be making big service cuts or raising taxes in the 2026 budget, even as it faces a projected $11.2 billion deficit.