British Columbia’s incoming Premier, Lorne Doerkson, welcomed the latest federal budget, saying he’s excited about the proposed investments in energy, ports, mining, forestry and trade.
Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the budget Thursday, with billions in proposed spending focused on encouraging business investment and supporting the Canadian economy amid U.S. tariffs and global uncertainty.
Doerkson highlighted proposed investments in Canada’s critical minerals sector and modernizing the forestry sector, along with federal support for major projects such as Roberts Bank Terminal 2 at the Port of Vancouver, LNG Canada Phase 2 in Kitimat and the Red Chris Mine extension in northwestern B.C.
“This budget proves that British Columbia is critical to Canada’s economic success and that B.C. is open for business,” said Doerkson.
B.C. NDP interim leader Jennifer Whiteside said Friday said the federal investments in the province are a result of the former NDP government’s work with Ottawa.
“British Columbians will benefit from billions in investment in this federal budget that would not have been secured under the Conservative approach,” she said in a statement.
B.C Green leader Emily Lowan slammed the federal budget as “corporate welfare” and criticized proposed tax deductions as handouts for oil and gas companies.
The budget includes several proposals that could affect B.C.
Forestry
The budget proposes $6.5 billion over six years to modernize and boost Canada’s forest sector, acknowledging the sector has been hit hard by U.S. tariffs.
Kim Haakstad, president and CEO of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, welcomed the support for the industry. She said it comes at a critical time for the sector.
“With the new funding beginning in 2027–28, timely implementation to address the sector’s immediate pressures is essential. Companies need improved conditions to keep operating today so they can invest in the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Haakstad.
The budget also includes a $65-million loan guarantee to support the Tla’amin Nation Tree Farm project on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast.
The First Nation announced earlier this week it had acquired Western Forest Products’ Stillwater forest operation.
Critical minerals
The budget proposes $2.3 billion for Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, including support for mining technology, research and major projects.
Part of the plan would extend and expand tax incentives for mining and exploration companies and investors.
Todd Stone, president of the B.C.-based Association for Mineral Exploration, expressed disappointment that the federal budget doesn’t expand the Canadian Exploration Expense to reduce the tax load for mining companies.
“It is the single biggest tax policy measure the government has to move early-stage exploration projects through the valley of death to a promising operating future. This budget does not address that gap,” said Stone.
Disaster mitigation
The budget proposes establishing a Canadian Earthquake Insurance Facility capable of providing up to $50 billion in emergency financing to insurers following a catastrophic earthquake.
The proposal identifies southwestern B.C. as an area facing significant earthquake risk.
Another $20 million would go toward flood mitigation in B.C. during the current fiscal year.
It also proposes up to $2.5 billion in financing to aircraft manufacturer De Havilland Canada to increase production of waterbombers, saying it will shorten delivery times for customers.
Doerkson said during the provincial election campaign he planned to acquire more Crown-owned waterbombers for wildfire operations.
Wineries
The budget proposes renewing the Wine Sector Support Program with $176.9 million over three years, beginning in 2027-28.
The program was launched in 2022 to help Canadian wineries adapt to challenges such as rising costs, labour shortages, tariffs and severe weather.
Okanagan wineries experienced damage and disruptions due to wildfires in the region this summer.
Tumbler Ridge
The budget pledges $113 million in 2026-27 to help the community of Tumbler Ridge recover from February’s mass shooting.
It also includes anG addition $10 million annually over the next four years for continued supports.
The federal and provincial government previously announced they would contribute $100- million for a new school and other infrastructure in the community.
Massey Tunnel replacement
The budget included a previously announced $3 billion to replace the aging George Massey tunnel between Richmond and Delta.
While preparation on the tunnel project has been underway, the B.C. Conservatives have said they will scrap the plan and instead build a 10-lane bridge.
Community Projects
The budget includes funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund for a number of community projects in B.C.:
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- Chinese Canadian Museum – Wing Sang Building Rooftop Garden
Revitalization, Vancouver - Mackie and Hawthorne Park Fieldhouse Replacements, Delta
- Hume Park Master Plan Implementation, New Westminster
- Chimney Heights Park, Surrey
- Cowichan Valley Basket Society, Duncan
