Following the release of British Columbia Budget 2026, our team participated in a timely and insightful webinar hosted by Vantage Point to unpack what the announcements mean for non-profits across the province.

Click here to watch the recording

The session was facilitated by Prairie Chiu, Director of Engagement and Advocacy at Vantage Point, who guided a thoughtful and engaging discussion. Tyler Arnold, Policy and Advocacy Specialist, provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the key highlights from Budget 2026.

Fiscal Overview

Budget 2026 presents an updated deficit of $9.6 billion for 2025–26, $1.6 billion lower than previously forecast, largely due to higher-than-expected corporate and personal income tax revenues and lower spending on refundable tax credits. The fiscal year also reflects a one-time $2.7-billion tobacco settlement, reducing the projected deficit.

Over the three-year fiscal plan, projected deficits are:

• $13.3 billion (2026–27)
  
  

• $12.2 billion (2027–28)
  
  

• $11.4 billion (2028–29)
  
  

While the government emphasized fiscal restraint, it signaled an intention to avoid major cuts to core public services.

Health-Care Investments

Budget 2026 includes $2.8 billion in new health-care funding over three years, including:

• $2.3 billion to increase health-system capacity, including hiring more health-care workers and supporting new and expanded facilities
  
  

• $131 million for intensive mental-health and addictions treatment
  
  

• $34 million annually to expand access to in-vitro fertilization
  
  

• $447 million in federal contributions to support seniors’ health services and long-term care improvements
  
  

• $653 million in federal funding to expand public drug coverage, including diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy
  
  

At the same time, the Budget does not introduce significant new structural investments for the non-profit sector. Continued fiscal restraint is expected in the coming years, and there is no new commitment to multi-year, core operating funding, a key advocacy priority for many organizations.

Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network consulted extensively with the sector during pre-budget consultations. Their advocacy efforts were reflected in the Finance Committee’s recommendations supporting stable, multi-year core funding and updated funding formulas to reflect current operational realities. However, these recommendations were not fully realized in this year’s Budget.

Sector Panel Discussion

The webinar also featured a compelling panel discussion with sector leaders:

• Andrew Price, CEO of ViaSport
  
  

• Daljit Gill-Badesha, CEO of AMSSA
  
  

• Jill Atkey, CEO of BC Non-Profit Housing Association
  
  

• Matt Cook-Cantois, Senior Associate – Programs Specialist at New Relationship Trust
  
  

Panelists shared their initial reactions to Budget 2026, discussed how risk and uncertainty are shaping their strategic planning, and reflected on funding impacts for their members and communities. The conversation also explored trends in First Nations support and highlighted the importance of collaboration and solidarity across the non-profit sector during times of fiscal constraint.

How Can Non-Profits Support Each Other?

One of the most meaningful questions posed to the panel was how non-profits can support one another in the coming years, particularly in a context of fiscal restraint and growing community needs.

From a BCHPCA perspective, this question resonates deeply. The hospice and palliative care sector is built on collaboration, between volunteers, community-based organizations, health authorities, and families. Each organization carries unique expertise, lived experience, and regional knowledge. In times of uncertainty, these strengths become some of our most valuable shared assets. Knowledge-sharing, coordinated advocacy, and mutual support are essential.

The one-hour session was incredibly informative and engaging. We extend our sincere thanks to Vantage Point and the panelists for creating space for sector-informed analysis and meaningful reflection on what comes next for non-profits across British Columbia.