The B.C. NDP government's first budget update is measured, pragmatic and balances key spending priorities with modest tax increases to high income earners, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union says in their annual budget analysis.

"The government has made good use of the operating surplus to address urgent needs such as education, poverty reduction, housing and mental health," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "They've balanced these new commitments with measured tax increases on corporations and high-income earners, who have benefited the most from our economy."

The BCGEU's budget analysis provides an overview of the budget's key measures, including specific choices that directly affect the services our members provide for British Columbians – including the addition of 660 new FTE positions in the public service, cuts to MSP premiums and roughly $1.8 billion in new operational spending over 3 years.

The analysis concludes that Budget 2017 Update is a "conscientious and measured budget" that "positions the government well for the implementation of its core commitments with sustainable spending increases."

Members and the public can read the BCGEU budget analysis here. 

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, representing over 73,000 members in direct government service, the broader public sector and service sectors across the province.

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