By the numbers as British Columbia releases its 2026 budget

VICTORIA, B.C. — Here are some of the key figures in British Columbia’s 2026 budget, delivered by finance minister Brenda Bailey on Tuesday, February 17th.

5.6 per cent: The new income tax rate for the lowest tax bracket, for people with taxable earnings of up to $50,363.

$76: The increase in income tax for the average taxpayer in B.C.

60 per cent: Proportion of taxpayers who will be paying more as a result of the 2026 budget.

$13.3 billion: The record-high provincial deficit forecast for 2026.

$183 billion: Provincial debt forecast for fiscal 2026.

$235 billion: Provincial debt forecast for fiscal 2028.

15,000: Reduction of public service employees over the next three years.

$1.7 billion: Reduction in capital spending next fiscal year, compared to the previous forecast.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published February 17th, 2026.

Canadian Press Staff, The Canadian Press