The provincial government expects continued deficits of $10.9 billion this fiscal year, followed by $10.2-billion and $9.9-billion deficits over the next two years. Premier David Eby’s NDP government expects overall expenses to rise $2.9 billion in 2025-26, as it sets aside a $4-billion contingency fund to counter Trump’s tariffs. (The Logic)

Talking point: Business groups roundly criticized the budget, saying it failed to address many of the entrenched problems that they argue have held back capital investment in the province. High taxes, unaffordable housing and other challenges continue to weigh on the province’s economic fortunes. Rival provinces like Alberta—which recently unveiled its own $5.2-billion deficit estimate—have increasingly sought to win capital and talent away from B.C., as The Logic recently reported. The new spending will push B.C.’s overall debt load from $156.6 billion this year to $208.8 billion by 2027-28.