By The Canadian Press

By the numbers as British Columbia releases its 2026 budget

Feb 17, 2026 | 3:15 PM

VICTORIA — Here are some of the key figures in British Columbia’s 2026 budget, delivered by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey on Tuesday.

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.

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$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 previous forecast.

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

Canadian Press Staff, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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