Provincial Budget 2026 /27 – What's in Store

Dear BCGEU member,

The B.C. government tabled its annual budget today. A team of BCGEU staff and I attended the budget lockup to analyze its contents and advocate for our union's key priorities.

Faced with a mounting structural deficit, government has tabled what they are calling a "stabilizing" budget. While this budget does not dramatically reduce public services, it effectively cuts spending in important areas. As a result, we are left with cuts to public services at a time when they are most needed. 

Government has indicated they will cut jobs in the public sector and we have been clear that these cuts must not come from core, front-line workers and instead should address the increase in non-unionized management staff. We know that layoffs through attrition have already negatively impacted frontline services and we continue to advocate reversing this trend. 

We are glad to see a recommitment to universality in childcare. But universality without access is meaningless to those working families who cannot get affordable quality childcare spaces. We are also not seeing commitments to compensation for the early childhood educators who make this system work. There is also a concerning $1.4 billion deferral of housing investments that will further impact affordability. 

To put the government's numbers into context: We need to responsibly address the mounting deficit, but this is not a financial crisis. Government spending has been relatively consistent and B.C.'s debt-to-GDP ratio is already among the lowest in the country. Our province already has a lean public service that cannot absorb any cuts to core services.

So what should change?

It is encouraging to see that revenue generation is on the table because it is clear that government has a revenue problem. But government also has a governance problem. We need to ensure that investments in core infrastructure are done right – that means building with procurement strategies that get the best value for all people in B.C.

Inefficient procurement processes and tax breaks for resource extraction corporations line the pockets of a few wealthy shareholders but shortchange residents of B.C. of their fair share of our province's wealth. This wastefulness must end and the province should align infrastructure development with the people who depend on it.

We are calling on government to implement a robust economic development and workforce plan to thoroughly reevaluate its procurement and royalty revenue process in order to maximize the public good that comes from investments. Because those revenues belong to all residents of B.C.

We know that B.C.'s true economic power lies not only in our vast natural wealth, but in the expertise and dedication of our workers. As we have argued in the past, the profits of our natural and human resources should benefit the many, not the few. The revenue from resources that belong to all of us should be reinvested in our communities to solve the problems we face because the only path to progress is with robust and well-funded public services.

In solidarity,

Paul Finch, President
BCGEU 

UWU/MoveUP

The 2026/27 B.C. Budget is a test. 

It's a test of whether this government will lead during a storm with calm, responsible governance - or pass the cost of economic uncertainty onto working families. 

Let's be clear: the deficit must be addressed responsibly, but the path forward cannot come at the expense of the public services and workers that keep British Columbia running. 

Working people did not create today's economic pressures. Global instability, inflation, and government revenue decisions did. Cutting public services now would only make life more expensive for families and weaken our province's economic foundation. 

Public Services Are What Make the Economy Work 

Healthcare. Education. Child care. Public safety. Public services. 

These services allow our members to go to work, businesses to operate, and communities to thrive. They lower household costs and create stability in uncertain times. 

Weakening them doesn't solve a deficit - it shifts costs directly onto working families. 

When public services shrink: 

• Parents lose access to affordable child care. 
• Healthcare wait times grow. 
• Education supports erode. 
• Costs rise for families already struggling with housing, food, and transportation. 

You cannot build a productive economy on a crumbling public foundation. 

This Is About Revenue - Not Austerity 

This is not simply a spending problem. It's a revenue problem. 

Government decisions, including eliminating revenue sources without a replacement plan, and years of not getting fair value for our resources, have significantly contributed to the deficit. That's a policy choice. 

The real question isn't whether we can afford public services. It's whether government is willing to put in place a sustainable revenue plan to protect the services people depend on. Cuts alone are not a responsible economic strategy. 

Child Care: It's time to deliver

This government campaigned on universal, quality child care, fee caps, and professional compensation for the workers who care for our children. In the years since, we have fallen behind other provinces in delivering on that promise. 

Across B.C., families can't find affordable quality child care. Parents - disproportionately women - are being forced out of the workforce because spaces aren't available. Early childhood educators' compensation remains a problem for workers and for retaining these skilled providers. 

Child care isn't a luxury. It's economic infrastructure. 

If parents can't work, the economy doesn't work. 

If child care workers can't afford to stay in the sector, the system collapses. 

A budget for working families must include: 

• Real progress toward universal child care 
• Affordable, capped fees 
• Fair wages and respect for child care workers 

Our Members Are Not the Problem - We Are the Solution

When government talks about reducing the size of the public service, they are talking about cutting jobs. 

In a time of economic strain, cutting public sector workers doesn't strengthen the economy - it weakens it. 

BCGEU members deliver the services that make affordability possible. We are healthcare workers, child care workers, administrative professionals, frontline staff, and public safety workers. We are part of the economic engine of this province. 

A budget for working families protects the services that keep costs down and communities strong.

TAKE ACTION: Tell the Premier to Fix Child Care

The government needs to hear directly from working people. 

If you believe child care must be affordable, accessible, quality and properly funded - now is the time to speak up. 

Join our partners in the $10/day child care coalition and send an email to Premier David Eby today and demand a real plan for universal quality child care. 

Tell him: 

• Families can't afford higher child care costs. 
• Parents shouldn't be forced out of the workforce. 
• Child care workers deserve professional wages. 
• A budget for working families must protect and expand childcare. 

👉 [Click here to send your email now] 

When working people speak together, government listens. 

Let's make sure it's a budget that works for working families. 

In solidarity, 

Paul Finch, 
President, BCGEU 

UWU/MoveUP

It is with sadness that we share an update from the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting. We are grieving the profound loss of one of our union members, Shannda Aviugana-Durand, whose life was taken in this terrible event. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched. Out of respect for her family, we will share further information when appropriate. We are in coordination with our members in the region and the employers in an ongoing response. 

We know this news will be difficult. Grief affects everyone differently, and no one should face it alone. Support resources are available for members who need them, and we encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to available support services. Your union is here for you. 

Please take a moment to honour the memory of Shannda, check in on one another, offer support where you can, and keep the Tumbler Ridge community in your thoughts.  

Information about opportunities to commemorate Shannda and support the family will be shared as they are available. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know there is confidential help available. Here are just a few resources: 

• 310 Mental Health Support at 310‑6789 for emotional support, information, and local resources
• 9‑8‑8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text) for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or worried about someone else 
• Kid’s Help Phone, available by texting CONNECT to 686868
• KUU‑US Crisis Response Service at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally aware support for Indigenous peoples 

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

Dear members, 

On behalf of the BCGEU, we are heartbroken by the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge. We are grieving the profound loss of life, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, students, educators, first responders, and everyone impacted by this devastating event. We are connecting to members and employers in the community and will provide more updates as we are able. 

We want to acknowledge that our members work at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, others were first responders to the incident, and more are now being called in to provide ongoing support for the community. In the face of danger and uncertainty, these members responded with courage, care, and professionalism to an unimaginable situation. Their actions represent the very best of our union and the values we stand for: solidarity, service, and care for our communities.

Our union stands firmly against hate and the use of violence in all its forms. We reject any attempt to use this moment to spread prejudice and harm to transgender people or the broader LGBTQ+ community. Hate and division only deepen the pain and cruelty of this tragedy and do not reflect our values. We stand committed to respect, dignity, and safety for all.

In moments like these, we learn the true meaning of solidarity. We stand with the Tumbler Ridge community in grief and resolve. As a union, we understand that we are stronger together. No one should shoulder this alone. Support resources are being coordinated for any member impacted by this tragedy, and we encourage anyone in need to reach out.

The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Committee has established the official GoFundMe in support of families affected by the tragedy. The BCGEU will be donating in support. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know there is confidential help available. Here are just a few resources: 

• 310 Mental Health Support at 310‑6789 for emotional support, information, and local resources 

• 9‑8‑8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text) for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or worried about someone else 

• Kid's Help Phone, available by texting CONNECT to 686868 

• KUU‑US Crisis Response Service at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally aware support for Indigenous peoples 
  
  

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

This morning, our community is devasted by the news of the shooting at Tumbler Ridge High School. We are heartbroken by this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, students, educators, first responders, and everyone impacted.

To those of you who were working and who were first responders, we recognize the courage, care, and professionalism you showed in an unimaginable situation. Your actions reflect the very best of our union and our community. 

Right now, our priority is you: your safety, wellbeing, and support. Experiencing or responding to trauma can have lasting effects. Our Occupational Health and Safety Department is in contact with the employers to coordinate our support and assistance.

Please know that confidential help is available. Here are just a few resources:

Tumbler Ridge (RCMP) Victim Services - 250-242-5252
 
BC Health Crisis Line - 1-800-784-2422 / 9-8-8
 
Mental Health Support Line - 310-6789
 
211 via United Way -- https://bc.211.ca/
 
We encourage you to reach out, stay connected to your community, and take the time you need. No one should carry this alone. Your union is here for you. 

To the wider Tumbler Ridge community, we stand with you in grief and resolve. In moments like these, we learn the true meaning of solidarity. We will continue to support healing, care for those impacted, and work together to ensure that our workplaces and communities are safe for all.
 
In solidarity, 
Paul Finch

Download PDF of notice here

Black History Month in B.C.: Events, Film & Ways to Engage

February is Black History Month, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of its recognition in Canada. It’s a time to honour the histories, cultures, leadership, and ongoing contributions of Black communities — and to continue the work toward equity and justice beyond a single month.

This February, we encourage everyone to attend local events, support Black artists and organizers, and engage with resources that centre Black voices and experiences across British Columbia.

Events & Community Gatherings

1. Black History Month Showcase

What: A celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community featuring performances, speakers, and local talent.
When: February 2026
Where: Vancouver
Cost: Ticketed
More info:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-showcase-tickets-1980396591516

1. Black Brilliance in B.C.

What: An evening highlighting Black excellence, leadership, and community impact across British Columbia.
When: February 2026
Where: Vancouver
Cost: Ticketed
More info:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-brilliance-in-bc-2026-tickets-1978196017540

Learning, Talks & Institutional Programming

1. Black History Month at Royal Roads University

What: A series of talks, events, and learning opportunities exploring Black history, culture, and contemporary issues.
When: Throughout February
Where: Royal Roads University (in person and online)
More info:
https://www.royalroads.ca/BlackHistoryMonth

Film, Arts & Culture

1. Celebrating Black Futures – VIFF

What: A curated film series spotlighting Black filmmakers, stories, and visions of the future.
When: February
Where: VIFF Centre and online screenings
More info:
https://viff.org/series/celebrating-black-futures/

Watch & Learn: Labour & Black History

1. Beyond Black History Month – Canadian Labour Congress

What: A video series exploring Black workers’ histories, experiences, and leadership within the labour movement, with a focus on year-round action beyond February.
Watch here:
https://canadianlabour.ca/beyond-bhm-videos/

Books

• The Skin We’re In — Desmond Cole

• Freedom Is a Constant Struggle — Angela Y. Davis

• Policing Black Lives — Robyn Maynard (ed.)

• Subtle Acts of Exclusion — Tiffany Jana & Michael Baran

• Black Women Under State — Idil Abdillahi

• White Fragility — Robin DiAngelo

• They Said This Would Be Fun — Eternity Martis

• Caste — Isabel Wilkerson

• The Vanishing Half — Brit Bennett

• Biased — Jennifer L. Eberhardt

• Blind Spot — Mahzarin R. Banaji & Anthony G. Greenwald

• Bigger Than Bravery — Valerie Boyd, Alice Walker, Kiese Laymon

Resources

BC Black History Awareness Society
https://bcblackhistory.ca/

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
https://ccdi.ca/

Government of Canada – Black History Month (Canadian Heritage)
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

Canadian Labour Congress – Equity & Anti-Racism
https://canadianlabour.ca/issues/equity/

Noteworthy Black Canadians
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/important-commemorative-days/black-history-month/noteworthy-canadians.html

African Descent Society BC
https://africandescentbc.ca/

UN International Decade for People of African Descent
https://www.un.org/en/observances/decade-people-african-descent

Government of British Columbia – Anti-Racism
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/anti-racism

Massy Books – Black History Month Reading Lists
https://storestock.massybooks.com/book-lists/black-history-month

Amnesty International Canada – Rights Back at You Podcast
https://www.amnesty.ca/activism-guide/rights-back-at-you-podcast-is-here/

UWU/MoveUP

90% Yes: Members stand together for better health care

Specialized health professionals send strong message with strike vote 

90.1% of BC's health science professionals have voted in favour of taking job action in support of efforts to negotiate a fair contract.

This is a strong message that the government cannot ignore: your bargaining committee is not backing down in our fight for a contract that deals fairly with recruitment and retention so that we can fix BC's public health care system. 

We will be returning to the bargaining table in January with these results in hand. If the employer continues to refuse to engage in serious discussions to meet our priorities, we will be prepared to escalate to job action. 

While other public sector agreements struck in recent months have offered significant funding to tackle recruitment and retention, health science professionals have been offered much less - about $100 million less (when adjusted for membership) - even as workload and burnout are so severe that 1 in 3 health science professionals are thinking of quitting. Even the additional funding offered to other tables would be insufficient to solve the dire problems contributing to delays and gaps in B.C.'s health care system.

BCGEU members like you should know that this strong strike vote result does not mean that job action will be starting soon. The next step in this process is your bargaining committee meeting with the employer in mid-January. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for an update in the new year.

Priorities for a fair contract include:

• premiums – for regular workers, for evening/night/weekend shifts, for workers in student supervision and preceptor roles, and more

• retention incentives such as an add pay system and improvements to paid time off to reward workers who stay in the public system

• continued reimbursement for professional fees

• correcting outstanding issues with the classifications system

• maintaining our extended health and welfare benefits

• professional development funding for 2026 and beyond 

This strong mandate gives your bargaining committee the power to escalate job action if necessary-and ensures our employer knows we are not backing down. We will keep you updated on next steps. For now, know this: your vote has strengthened our hand and brought us one step closer to achieving the fair agreement we all deserve. 

In solidarity, 

Your BCGEU HSP Bargaining Committee 

Tim Little, Local 404 Bargaining Chairperson Matthew Cook, Local 401 
Virginie Fostroy, Local 407 
Michelle McAuley, Staff Representative, Negotiations 

P.S. Check that we have your personal email address here: https://my.bcgeu.ca/signup and forward this link to any colleagues not receiving updates.

UWU/MoveUP

2026 BCGEU Scholarship Program – Now Open!

Applications for the 2026 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted. 

Our annual scholarship program of up to $125,000 offers awards of $2,500 for full-time students and $1,500 for part-time students. Scholarships are funded by the dues of our members.  

Apply for a BCGEU Scholarship online here  

Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship here

 
Eligibility 

• A BCGEU member in good standing, or related to a current, retired or deceased BCGEU member or staff; and 
• A student or prospective post-secondary or higher learning student enrolled, registered or planning to attend an eligible educational institution in 2026. 

[1] Eligible relatives include spouses, (same or opposite and common law spouses); parents; and children and grandchildren (including foster, adopted, and stepchildren and step-grandchildren). 
 
[2] Eligible educational institutions must be recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada. A list can be found here.) 

Previous BCGEU scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. 

For eligibility requirements for the Indigenous scholarship please see below.

Essay 

In addition to personal information and details of your education plan, you will be asked to answer Part 1: 2 short personal questions, and Part 2: interview an activist from the labour movement and write a reflection on the interview.

Part 2 can be in essay format (max. 800 words), or a creative submission such as a video, infographic, or song. Infographics must be submitted in a PDF format. Videos must be submitted via a link to the video uploaded to YouTube.

Please selection one question from the list below for Part 2 of your application. You may submit an essay, infographic or video for Part 2.

i. What are your thoughts about the activist's perspective on the labour movement and what factors do you think shaped their opinions?

ii. What was your most significant takeaway or enlightening moment from the interview?

iii. How has this experience altered your perceptions?

Submissions suspected of plagiarism or being written by artificial intelligence (AI) will be disqualified. 

Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria: 

· Did the application answer the question? 

· Did the answer seem original, creative or include interview/research? 

· Did the answers show evidence of understanding the importance of the labour movement in Canada? 

The deadline for submitting applications is midnight, Feb.15, 2026 

 
You may also be eligible for one of the scholarships offered by NUPGE, our National Union of Public and General Employees. Find details and apply directly here. 

2026 BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship Eligibility 

Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship here

For the purpose of this scholarship, an Indigenous person (the legal term is Aboriginal person) in Canada, as recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982, is a person who identifies as First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit. 

Indigenous identity data is collected solely to determine scholarship eligibility. 

For First Nations applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

• a copy of your Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or 

• a copy of your Certificate of Indian Status, or 

• a copy of proof of citizenship from a First Nation or band in the list maintained by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. 

For Métis applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

• a copy of a Métis Nation Citizenship card from one of the 4 regional/provincial affiliates of the Métis National Council (Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario); or 

• a copy of a valid Métis Citizenship and Harvester Identification Card from the Manitoba Métis Federation; or 

• a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Métis Settlements of Alberta; or 

• a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. 

For Inuit applicants 

You must provide a copy of an Inuit membership card issued by any one of the 4 Inuit Treaty Organizations or Governments that are covered by the Inuit Nunangat Policy: 

• Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 

• The Nunatsiavut Government, 

• Makivik Corporation, or 

• The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. 

For all applicants (voluntary) 

In addition to any one of the types of legal documentation listed above, all applicants are welcome to submit an alternative identity term (e.g., Kanien'kehá:ka, Anishinaabe, Treaty #3, etc.) with their application. 

Please note that membership to pan-Indigenous organizations will not be recognized. 

Option 2 - Candidate self-declaration 

If a candidate does not possess proof of the documentation listed in Option 1, they must submit a statement (minimum 200 words) about their lived experiences and ongoing relationship to a legally recognized Indigenous community, Nation, or people. This includes specific information about their First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community and can include copies of historical documents or oral testimony. 

The statement must be signed by 2 guarantors who are part of the community, Nation, etc. that the applicant describes their ties to. Guarantors must be over the age of 18 and cannot be members of the applicant's immediate family (i.e., no siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, or any step variations). 

Questions: email [email protected]

Download a copy of the 2026 Scholarship brochure here

UWU/MoveUP

To: All BCGEU Area 01 Stewards

Re: Steward Fundamentals Course

Steward Fundamentals: Steward Fundamentals is a two-day foundation–level course for all stewards. It focuses on the essential skills every steward needs to know. Through discussion and interactive group activities, you will be introduced to the key roles and responsibilities of a steward as advocate, educator, organizer and communicator. Stewards will leave feeling more confident and effective in their role and skillful in their interactions with members and the employer.

This Two-day course is for elected stewards and local officers who have not previously taken the Basic Steward Training in the past five years. 

• A union-paid leave-of-absence is provided for this course.

• Travel and accommodation, if required, are also provided. Note: You will be on your own for Lunch for both days and expenses can be claimed on an expense claim form via the member portal.

• Reasonable child and/or other dependent care expenses may be reimbursed.

Date: December 22 & 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm both days
Location: BCGEU Victoria Area Office – 2994 Douglas Street Parking is available at 588 Burnside Rd East. 
Please note that our office is not open until 8:30 am. 

As space is limited, registrations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to attend the training, please register vis the link below:
HERE

Please call the area office at 250-388-9948 if you have any questions or concerns.

In solidarity 
Victoria Area Office

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP