Bridge Funding to Keep Services Running

Summary#

This bill gives the B.C. government temporary permission to spend money at the start of the new budget year so public services keep running. It draws from the consolidated revenue fund (the government’s main bank account) until the full budget is passed.

• Allows up to about $21.09 billion for day‑to‑day services in 2026–27, equal to about one quarter of the planned yearly amount.
• Allows up to about $483.8 million for capital projects and financing (like buildings, equipment, loans), about one third of the planned yearly amount for those items.
• Allows up to about $1.85 billion for revenue transfers listed in the budget (money moved to partners such as health authorities, school boards, municipalities, and others).
• Lets the government decide the timing of payments during the year.
• Takes effect once it receives Royal Assent.

What it means for you#

• Residents using public services

  • Hospitals, schools, transit, and other services continue without interruption at the start of the fiscal year.
  • No new taxes or fees are created by this bill.

• Public sector workers, contractors, and suppliers

  • Payroll and invoices can be paid on time.
  • Early‑year work on approved projects (like hospitals, schools, roads) can start or continue.

• Families, students, and people receiving benefits

  • Grants, student funding, and income supports can keep flowing as the year begins.

• Local governments and community groups

  • Provincial transfers and grants listed in the budget can continue, helping maintain local programs and services.

Expenses#

Estimated interim spending authority: about CAD $23.4 billion for 2026–27.

• Operating services: about $21.09 billion (roughly one quarter of the planned annual operating spending).
• Capital and financing: about $483.8 million (roughly one third of the planned annual capital/financing).
• Revenue transfers: about $1.85 billion (as listed in the budget’s transfer schedule).
• This is permission to spend up to these amounts; detailed, full‑year spending is set in the main budget that follows.

Proponents' View#

• Prevents any pause in health care, education, and other essential services at the start of the year.
• Provides certainty so ministries, health authorities, and school districts can plan and pay bills on time.
• Covers only a fraction of the year’s plan (about one quarter/one third), which supporters say is a careful, temporary approach.
• Does not create new programs or taxes; it simply keeps government running until the full budget is approved.
• The full budget and detailed line‑by‑line reviews still happen afterward.

Opponents' View#

• Approves large sums before full debate of each ministry’s detailed budget, which some say weakens oversight during the interim.
• The government controls the timing of payments, which critics say concentrates too much spending power in cabinet early in the year.
• Some argue the interim amounts may be larger than needed, letting priorities move ahead before full scrutiny.
• Ongoing concerns about overall spending levels, deficits, or debt are not addressed by this interim bill.