Health-care groups criticize B.C. budget’s unkept promises but express relief over lack of cuts

In the recent fall provincial election campaign, Premier David Eby and NDP candidates promised substantial investments to enhance the health-care system to address staff shortages and fill gaps in essential services. However, patient groups and health-care workers expressed disappointment over the absence of several key promises in this year’s budget.

Donna Hais, the chair of the Fair Care Alliance, highlighted the lack of funding for new hospital towers in Nanaimo and Langley, as well as the creation of a catheterization lab for cardiac care in Nanaimo. Despite the province’s commitment to funding a cancer center and long-term care, Hais emphasized that the missing investments would significantly impact the health of central and north Vancouver Island residents.

The aging Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, which struggles to meet the increasing patient demand, further underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. The absence of a cath lab in the region poses a heightened risk for adverse outcomes in cases of stroke or heart disease for the 460,000 residents living north of the Malahat highway.

The 2025-2026 fiscal plan allocates over $1.4 billion for health-care services, providing a sense of relief to industry stakeholders amidst concerns of affordability and potential funding cuts. While the budget’s 4.6% increase falls slightly short of the estimated 5% needed to maintain services with inflation, the commitment of $15.5 billion over the next three years for facility upgrades offers a positive outlook for acute care, long-term care, and cancer care.

However, the budget overlooks promised funding for B.C.’s first dedicated addictions treatment center for construction workers and targeted loan forgiveness to retain health-care professionals in the province. The expansion of involuntary care also lacks clarity in terms of the commitment outlined in the budget.

Health Minister Josie Osborne reassured that while specific projects may not be itemized in the budget, they remain a priority, with further planning required before funding details can be finalized. Osborne emphasized the need to review administrative costs within health authorities to prioritize frontline services and staff retention amidst economic uncertainties and tariffs.

Dr. David Forrest, a critical care doctor in Nanaimo, expressed a sense of betrayal over the absence of explicit commitment to the Nanaimo hospital tower project, which was a key campaign promise for both the NDP and Conservative candidates. The uncertainty surrounding the budget’s lack of a clear commitment to the project raises concerns about its feasibility in the foreseeable future.

Despite some unmet campaign promises, stakeholders in the health-care industry acknowledge the challenging economic climate and appreciate the province’s efforts to maintain current commitments to health services without significant cuts. The overall sentiment reflects a sense of relief that essential health services will continue without drastic reductions in funding.