Minister Brenda Bailey tabled the B.C. 2025 Budget in the Legislature. I want to highlight several points within the budget, both big-picture provincially, and specifically to our unique issues here in Columbia River-Revelstoke.
First of all, make no mistake about it: this is not a budget to be excited about. Industry associations such as the Council of Forest Industries and the BC Chamber of Commerce were not impressed. The B.C. Nurses Union and B.C. Teacher’s Federation were also disappointed by the targets outlined in this budget.
We’re seeing a record deficit this year of $10.9B. Our provincial debt will be soaring to a massive $208B in just 3 short years. The reckless spending by this government is going to burden British Columbians for generations to come. Remember, spending doesn’t equal results. Further, these record deficits are the result of this government’s inability to responsibly develop our resource industries and boost private sector job growth.
This government has blamed U.S. Tariffs for the sad financial state we currently find ourselves in. The reality is, this government has been spending more and more for the past 8 years, and we haven’t seen a return on our investment with an increase in services.
Today, each British Columbian is faced with carrying $27,425 worth of provincial debt. That’s a big burden for us all to shoulder, and certainly more than you and I are comfortable with.
I want to stay positive. We do live in the best corner of the province, and we have so much potential here. Our communities are relatively safe, we have amazing outdoor recreational opportunities at our back door, and a thriving tourism industry helps sustain small businesses which are the lifeblood of our local economies.
Unfortunately, this government has left rural B.C. out of the equation once again with this budget. There’s very little funding for wildlife conservation initiatives, there isn’t ANY room in the budget for the election promise of EAs in every K-3 classroom, and no…we won’t be receiving the $1000 grocery rebate which was an election promise also, especially at a time when we could all use it.
There’s no money for more treatment and recovery beds, a 20% carbon tax increase is coming on April 1st, and the public sector will be ballooning from 530,000 to 590,000 employees. Every 30 minutes, the province is spending over $300,000 in debt interest payments alone.
Folks, I will be keeping my election promise to you: I will fight for our communities and make sure that our voices are heard at the table in Victoria. Next week I will be giving a 30-minute speech in response to this budget and will be highlighting the shortcomings for us here in Columbia River-Revelstoke. We matter out here, and I will be reminding the government of just that over the coming days.
Scott McInnis is the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke, elected in 2024.
