Provincial Fiscal Context

Budget 2026 continues to prioritize core public services while managing fiscal pressures.

• Revenue: $85.5 billion
• Total spending: $98.8 billion
• Projected deficit: $13.3 billion

Health care remains the Province’s largest area of spending.

Health Care Investments

• $36.1 billion - Ministry of Health budget for 2026/27
• 41% of total provincial spending goes to health services
• $2.8 billion in additional health funding over three years

Key areas highlighted in the budget include:

• system capacity and workforce support
• mental health and addictions services
• seniors care and complex care services
• continued expansion of primary and community care

The Province is also planning $11.1 billion in health facility investments over the next three years.

Social and Community Supports
Budget 2026 also includes investments that affect families and communities connected to hospice care.

• $6.0 billion - Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
• $2.71 billion - Ministry of Children and Family Development

Additional investments include:

• $475 million for children and youth with disabilities
• expanded community-based services for families and caregivers
• increased support programs for vulnerable populations

What This Means for Hospice and Community Care
While Budget 2026 includes significant investments in health and social services, community based hospice and palliative care services are not explicitly named in the budget highlights.

Across British Columbia, hospice societies play an essential role in:

• supporting people at end of life
• providing grief and bereavement care
• supporting caregivers and families
• mobilizing trained volunteers
• strengthening compassionate communities

As demand for palliative and end-of-life care continues to grow, conversations about sustainability, access, and collaboration between the health system and community organizations will remain critical.
Why This Conversation Matters

To explore these issues further, BCHPCA is convening a sector discussion:

BC Budget 2026: What It Means for Hospice and Community Care

A panel conversation with hospice leaders and clinicians exploring how the budget translates to service delivery in communities across BC.

Insights from this discussion will help inform BCHPCA’s sector analysis and recommendations for provincial partners.

STAY TUNED FOR THE EVENT