STAMER – Until I can see a plan that restores affordability, revitalizes our natural resources, improves health care access, and exercises some kind of fiscal responsibility, I will continue to stand in opposition to this budget
The following is a condensed version of Kamloops – North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer’s speech in the BC Legislature, on Tuesday afternoon (02/24/2026) I’d like to delve into Budget 2026 with the understanding that, very similar to what we had last year, there seems to be an awful lot of promises in this budget, with not a lot of substance, because, again, it’s a three-year budget. A lot of times when we’re starting to determine exactly what is going to be spent or provided this fiscal year, there’s a lot of grey area, because it’s a three-year budget. So now people will say, “Well, that’s how we do things around here.” Well, obviously from the looks of the deficit and the way it’s growing, that’s really not what our side would want to continue. That’s why most of us, if not all of us, have been very critical on the delivery of this budget. I rise to speak to Budget 2026, a budget that will not define only the fiscal direction of the province but the living reality of our seniors, work...