BC Hikes Tax Rate as Budget Delivers Record $13 Billion Deficit

BC Hikes Tax Rate as Budget Delivers Record $13 Billion Deficit
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey listens during an announcement about increasing the tax credit for game developers, at Electronic Arts in Burnaby, B.C., on July 7, 2025. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck
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British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey has unveiled what she calls a “serious” budget for 2026 that raises the base income tax rate while failing to rein in the deficit as previously pledged.

The tax rate on the lowest bracket is being increased by 0.54 percent, with government staff saying 60 percent of tax filers will face higher bills, and the average taxpayer will be hit with a $76 hike.