B.C. interim funding keeps services running

Summary#

• This bill gives the B.C. government permission to spend part of next year’s budget so services can keep running while the full budget is debated and approved.

• It is routine “interim supply.” It covers the start of the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2026.

• Key points:

  • Allows up to about $20.54 billion for regular program costs (about one-quarter of the year’s planned operating spending).
  • Allows up to about $520 million for capital and financing items (about one-third of those planned amounts).
  • Allows up to about $1.79 billion for revenue transfers listed in the government’s budget plan.
  • Money comes from the province’s consolidated revenue fund (the government’s main bank account).
  • Takes effect once it receives Royal Assent.

What it means for you#

• General public

  • Day-to-day services continue without interruption at the start of the fiscal year. This includes hospitals, schools, public safety, road maintenance, and social supports.
  • No new taxes or programs are created by this bill. It just releases part of the already planned budget.

• People who rely on government payments

  • Paycheques for public-sector workers continue on time.
  • Benefits like income assistance, disability supports, Pharmacare payments, and other program payments can keep flowing.

• Businesses and community groups

  • Government contracts, grants, and reimbursements can be paid on schedule.
  • Capital projects already planned can continue to move forward.

• Local governments and partners

  • Transfers outlined in the main Estimates (the budget plan) can be sent, helping with cash flow for shared programs and services.

Expenses#

• Estimated authorized amounts: the bill releases part of the planned 2025–26 budget so programs can operate until the full budget is passed.

• Operating programs (roughly one-quarter of the year’s plan): about $20.54 billion.

• Capital and financing items (roughly one-third of those plans): about $520 million.

• Revenue transfers listed in the Estimates: about $1.79 billion.

• This bill does not add to spending beyond what is in the government’s main Estimates; it times when the money can be used.

Proponents' View#

• Keeps essential services running smoothly at the start of the fiscal year.
• Standard practice that avoids service disruptions while MLAs finish debating the full budget.
• Provides stable cash flow for hospitals, schools, and other frontline services.
• Limits are set as a fraction of the planned budget (about one-quarter or one-third), which supporters say is a prudent bridge.
• Uses the consolidated revenue fund, which is the normal, transparent funding source for provincial spending.

Opponents' View#

• Authorizes large sums before detailed committee review of each ministry’s budget, which some see as weaker oversight.
• The “fraction of the budget” approach may be higher than needed for a short period, raising concerns about spending discipline.
• Limited detail in the bill itself; specifics are in the main Estimates, making it harder for the public to see exactly what is funded here.
• Risk that once funds are released, it reduces leverage to seek changes during later budget debates.