By Canadian Press

Despite $5 billion budget deficit, B.C. Premier David Eby says now is not the time for service, support cuts

Sep 10, 2024 | 12:31 PM

VICTORIA — Premier David Eby says the New Democrat government remains committed to providing services and supports for people in British Columbia and cuts are not on his agenda.

Eby says people have been hurt by high interest costs and the province is facing budget pressures connected to low resource prices, high wildfire costs and struggling global economies.

The premier says now is not the time to reduce supports and services for people.

Finance Minister Katrine Conroy will discuss the province’s financial picture later today in an update of the government’s first quarterly budget report.

Last month’s year-end report for the 2023-2024 budget saw the province post a budget deficit of $5.035 billion, down from the previous forecast of $5.9 billion.

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Eby says he expects government financial priorities to become a major issue during the upcoming election, with the NDP pledging to continue to fund services and the B.C. Conservatives looking to make cuts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2024.

The Canadian Press