Premier David Eby said further public sector cuts are coming as the government prepares to table a 2026 budget he has described as “challenging.”
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey is set to present the next budget on Feb. 17. It is expected to include updated targets for reducing public sector positions.
B.C. has projected an $11.2-billion deficit for 2025-26.
The government has had a public sector hiring freeze in place for more than a year.
Speaking at an unrelated news conference on Monday, Eby said his government has reduced the size of the core public service by about 2,000 so far.
“There is room for us to reduce bureaucracy and administration while protecting core frontline services for British Columbians,” he said.
Eby did not rule out future public sector layoffs. He said the province would consult with the B.C. General Employees’ Union before any significant layoffs. He said he agrees with the BCGEU’s criticism that there are too many non-unionized managerial roles in the public service.
During last years BCGEU strike, union president Paul Finch called for a reduction of non-union managerial positions. He said those managerial positions make on average $45,000 more per year than the average BCGEU member.
There are about 35,000 public service workers across the government’s ministries and agencies. Hundreds of thousands more work in the broader public service, including teachers, nurses and researchers.
B.C.’s Ministry of Health is also reviewing health agencies to reduce administrative costs. The ministry said in December that health authorities have eliminated, closed or left vacant 1,100 positions, which is expected to save about $60 million annually.
The post Eby warns more public sector cuts ahead as B.C. prepares 2026 budget appeared first on AM 1150.
