Finance Minister Brenda Bailey anticipated backlash to the provincial budget, and on Tuesday that reaction arrived quickly, with stakeholders expressing frustration and disappointment. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade issued one of the bluntest assessments. President Bridgitte Anderson graded the budget a D, saying it fails to address key economic concerns. “This is a grim budget. Despite significant tax increases that are going to impact all businesses in British Columbia, the debt is outgrowing the economy by two and a half times. That is simply unsustainable,” said Anderson, standing in front of a large cardboard cutout of a report card. Seniors organizations also voiced concern. Leslie Gaudette with the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of B.C. said the budget offered little targeted support for older adults. “I did not see much that was aimed at seniors at all. There was a bit more long-term care beds, but not nearly what we are asking for,” Gaudette said. Labour representatives called the fiscal plan a missed opportunity. Critics argue the measures place more burden on working British Columbians instead of wealthier residents. Small business advocates echoed those worries. Ryan Mitton with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business warned that rising costs continue to squeeze entrepreneurs. “More businesses are packing up and closing than are entering business. It should not be easier to become a public servant in British Columbia than it is to start your own business. We need to reward people who take risks in this province,” Mitton said. In the mining sector, the reaction was similarly cool. Weeks after the premier pledged faster permits for mineral development, industry representatives said the budget does not match the rhetoric. Todd Stone, president of the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C., said the measures fall short. “Generally speaking, we are quite disappointed with some of the choices the province has made in this budget. We do not think it will be any easier tomorrow than it was yesterday to unleash mineral exploration and the mining sector in British Columbia,” said Stone. Political opponents also seized on the announcement. B.C. Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar said costs will fall hardest on families, seniors and businesses. B.C. Green finance critic Rob Botterell argued the plan fails to address systemic gaps. “Maintaining the status quo is insufficient. The status quo is closed schools without resources and inequality growing by the day,” said Botterell, adding that he’s unsure if the Greens will vote for the budget or not. As expected, the budget is proving unpopular across a wide range of sectors. The governing NDP is hoping its difficult decisions will pay off in the long run, with the deficit expected to decrease in the coming years.
