Image: B.C. Finance minister Brenda Bailey delivered the government's budget on March 4, 2025. / B.C. Govt / Flickr

By Brenda Bailey, B.C. Minister of Finance

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Protecting what matters most to British Columbians

Mar 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM

Budget 2025 was delivered during the most consequential time in B.C. for many generations. The same morning, we were hit by unjustified tariffs from our largest trading partner, we introduced a budget that meets the moment, protecting jobs and the public services people need while preparing the province’s economy to weather this threat.

Budget 2025 is about standing strong for B.C. and making sure public services are there when we need them. It focuses on what matters most — our people.

This means managing our finances carefully so we can continue to improve healthcare, education and other essential services. B.C.’s budget also includes contingencies to help us prepare for the unknown, including tariffs.

We cannot let this threat to our sovereignty go unanswered. As of this week, American liquor has been pulled from B.C. stores. We’ll buy Canadian first and prioritize B.C. products. The federal government has promised supports for impacted workers and businesses, and we’ll hold them to it.

We will strengthen and diversify our economy, including by accelerating projects. We will do this while maintaining strong environmental standards and staying strong to our commitment to working in partnership with First Nations and advancing climate objectives.

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In this time of uncertainty, we are building an economy that creates the wealth needed to deliver more jobs and protect our public services. Our budget provides $30 million to accelerate innovation in B.C. through the Integrated Marketplace Initiative, as well as boosting tax credits for the province’s film sector.

As we diversify our economy, we need to ensure our products can get to new markets. That’s why the budget includes $16 billion to build and improve roads, bridges and transit.

We all rely on a strong economy to help support healthcare but, as in many places, demand for healthcare is rising. That’s why we are hiring more doctors and nurses, opening more clinics and building more hospitals. Budget 2025 includes a $15.5-billion investment in the hospitals and facilities we need. We have also allowed pharmacists to prescribe for minor illnesses and contraception, making it quicker for people to get the care they need.

Budget 2025 builds on this work with an additional $4.2 billion over three years to improve access to primary care, continue hiring healthcare workers and reduce wait times at emergency departments and hospitals. It builds on our historic $1-billion investment in mental-health and addictions care with an additional $500 million.

One way we’re investing in healthcare in this budget in the Fraser Valley is by funding new long term care spaces near the Chilliwack General Hospital. This is expected to be complete in 2029.

Laying the foundation for a healthy life starts in childhood. B.C.’s budget provides an additional $370 million to support our K-12 system, and an additional $172 million to support more children with autism, severe disabilities or complex-care needs. We have also included $4.6 billion to build and upgrade schools. In the Fraser Valley, Budget 2025 includes millions of dollars towards education, including $202 million for a new 1900 seat secondary school in the Township of Langley.

One of the biggest challenges facing British Columbians is finding a home they can afford. It’s a challenge for employers, too. If people can’t afford to live here, businesses can’t attract employees. We are helping meet this challenge with the province’s most ambitious housing plan ever.

Budget 2025 provides an additional $318 million to help us build new middle-income rental units. We are providing more support for families and seniors through rental assistance programs. Budget 2025 also commits an additional $90 million to help more people living in encampments to move indoors and access support they need.

To help ease the rental market for people living near the University of the Fraser Valley, our government is building new student housing that is expected to be completed this year.

Housing is not the only expense people face. That’s why our government has been helping people with the cost of living for years. We’ve been reducing costs by eliminating medical premiums, cutting childcare fees and keeping electricity rates low.

We’ve increased the B.C. family benefit and invested in school food programs. We made contraception free, took tolls off bridges and made transit free for children under 12. We’ve driven down public car insurance rates and delivered four years of ICBC rebates, with a fifth rebate to come through this budget.

People also have the right to live and work in a safe community. That is why Budget 2025 dedicates $235 million to improve community safety, including a new program to crack down on property crimes such as vandalism.

No matter what challenges we’re facing, one thing will always remain true: B.C. is an extraordinary place to call home, and we have everything we need to succeed.

We have the resources the world needs: clean electricity, critical minerals, lumber and agricultural products. We have a diversified economy with access to global markets. We have the skilled and hard-working people who call this beautiful place home. While the impacts of tariffs will be significant, our economy is built to withstand this threat better than most.

We are building a stronger, more self-sufficient economy while protecting essential public services. And no matter what happens south of the border, our government will support British Columbians every step of the way.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.