Perennial uncertainty of tariffs looms over B.C.’s budget [Video]

The B.C. government’s 2025/26 budget came as the province is constrained by the start of a trade war prompted by U.S. tariffs, but political watchers say B.C. has many unmet needs and also needs a long-term vision.

The budget projected a record deficit of $10.9 billion as the government committed to spending on core services and set aside billions in contingency funds on Tuesday, the same day that 25 per cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports went into effect.

But while the record deficit came under fire from many pro-business groups, a political science professor says that the B.C. NDP government is in a tight position, and residents would have to get used to short-term commitments and diversification as the province tries to insulate itself from outside threats.

University of B.C. professor Stewart Prest says the government also needs to think about a long-term vision even as it tries to maintain flexibility in the face of tariff uncertainty.