B.C. to see record $35B in health-care spending in 2025

A B.C. Ambulance Service employee in protective equipment including an N95 mask, a face shield, goggles and gloves, moves a patient from an ambulance to the emergency department at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, B.C., on Sunday, April 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Health care continues to be the single biggest expense in British Columbia’s provincial budget, with $35 billion in forecasted spending for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The province is touting $4.2 billion over three years in new funding in an attempt to sustain and increase capacity in B.C.’s beleaguered health-care system as part of its budget announced on Tuesday.

Of that, $443 million is going towards family doctors and nurse practitioners providing primary care.

The opening and operation of the new St. Paul’s Hospital, the redevelopment of Royal Columbian hospital, the Mills Memorial Hospital replacement in Terrace, and the improvements to Royal Inland Hospital will see another $870 million over three years.

Spending on expanded and new hospitals, long-term care, and cancer centres is part of the infrastructure budget, to the tune of $15.5 billion over three years.

Increases for mental health and addiction services

There’s also $500 million in new funding over three years for existing addiction treatment and recovery programs, including Road to Recovery, Foundry, as well as child and Indigenous supports.

The controversial involuntary care initiative – which is still in the planning and building phase and has yet to accept patients – is included in that funding.

“Government continues to support the ongoing operations of over 3,600 treatment and recovery beds at over 300 health authority and community care facilities,” according to the budget document.

Spending for seniors care grows

The province has committed to a tripling of funding for home and community care for seniors: from $45 million in the last fiscal year, to $146 million for 2025-26 and $163 million the following fiscal year.

“Investments in home care improves seniors’ quality of life by enabling them to live safely in their own homes for longer, and increases capacity in other parts of the healthcare system,” reads the budget document.

Meanwhile, an additional $380 million over three years will go toward Community Living BC, which supports more than 29,000 adults with developmental disabilities who need assistance managing daily activities.

Related budget coverage

• B.C.’s 2025 budget slashes $300M in spending, amid backdrop of Trump trade war
• B.C. budget brings new rebates, bigger housing subsidies, expanded tax credits
• Crime and justice: $235 million includes B.C. police academy, new community safety program
• Province ramps up BC Builds program with $318 million toward new homes
• Hospitals, roads, bridges: Capital spending soars in B.C. budget
• Thousands of British Columbians continue to move to Alberta, budget reveals