B.C. budget fails to invest in low-carbon competitiveness

VICTORIA, B.C. — JESSICA McILROY, the Pembina Institute’s director of government relations, made the following statement in response to the B.C. government’s 2026 budget:

“Today’s budget is a clear reflection of the challenging economic conditions we face as a country, here in British Columbia, and in our homes and communities.

“It also spoke to the opportunities we have to build a more resilient, healthier, safer province. But let’s be clear: creating long-term economic stability is only possible through actions that both build our climate resilience and set us up to thrive in a low-carbon world. On these notes, today’s budget was disappointing.

“We were hoping to see more on next steps following the review of CleanBC. This once ambitious, world-leading plan set B.C. apart in Canada and around the world as a place that was leading the global clean energy transition, and helping households both cut costs and grapple with the impacts of climate change. It’s time to build on the momentum created by this plan, not let it fade, at a cost to taxpayers and the climate.

“While the budget confirms decisions around the review of CleanBC are still to come, it provides targets for helping British Columbians be more energy efficient and reduce their emissions through the adoption of heat pumps and zero-emission vehicles. Government should now commit to these targets and report on progress.

“The province has stated a clear goal of future-proofing our economy. This requires investment tools to create long-term low-emission industrial pathways in the province. Because this is where the world is going. It’s also how we strengthen our security and sovereignty, limiting our exposure to volatile foreign actors and markets. The global transition to clean energy is on — it’s in B.C.’s best interest to lead the charge.”

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