A woman with glasses and shoulder-length blonde hair stands at a podium, delivering a speech. She is wearing a dark blazer over a light-coloured blouse. The podium has a sign that reads "STANDING STRONG FOR BC" with illustrations of diverse people. Behind her, a large blue backdrop displays "BUDGET 2025" and "WWW.BCBUDGET.CA" in bold white and yellow text, along with stylized orange line drawings of people. The silhouettes of audience members are visible in the foreground.

Budget 2025: Standing Strong for BC

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Dear Members,

The Federation attended the BC Budget lockup today, in anticipation of Budget 2025: Standing Strong for B.C. and its release this afternoon. The budget outlined a measured plan to protect jobs and critical services in the face of US tariffs and other geopolitical uncertainties.

The budget notes additional but moderate funding for community social care, including:

  • $821 million over three years to support children in care, with specific reference to children living with a family member or established relationship, or cultural connection.
  • An additional $172 million over three years to support children and youth with autism, severe disabilities, or in need of complex care.
  • An additional $500 million in mental health and addictions care programs, including Foundry.
  • An additional $1.6 billion more over three years to support increased demand for income, disability and supplementary assistance. This includes financial, transportation and crisis supplements, as well as counselling and health supports.

It also included additional funding increases for BC Housing and Community Living BC, as well as $4.2 billion for health care.

However, there are a number of Federation priorities not mentioned in today’s budget package. What is missing?

  • Specific reference to the community social services sector and its importance in building a strong, resilient communities.
  • Specific reference to the recruitment, retention and training needs in the community social services sector.
  • Specific reference to childcare, child wellbeing, or the importance of the early years.

These omissions are not surprising given the current geopolitical landscape. The provincial government shared openly to those in the lockup how difficult this budget was to prepare given the uncertainty, and noted that that they are preparing for the unknown. However, we must ensure that our sector is recognized in the work moving forward and that the leadership and experience our members possess can be a true asset in these unprecedented times. Importantly, we must also ensure that the government understands that social services are essential for improving the wellbeing of British Columbians – even more important than medical care, and this must be reflected in their budgets.

Resources

Budget 2025: Standing Strong for B.C. – https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2025/default.htm

Press Release – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025FIN0010-000165