BC government to cancel previously promised $1,000 grocery rebate
The BC government is cancelling a grocery and affordability rebate that was previously promised to residents in light of economic threats posed by US President Donald Trump’s looming tariffs on Canadian goods.
BC Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey confirmed the news to the media today, noting that the rebate would not be included in the March 4 budget.
“Already faced with high costs and slowed economic growth, our country is now dealing with a tariff fight that could be devastating for people on both sides of our border,” Bailey said in an emailed statement. “Part of our response to the reckless, destabilizing threats also means we have to protect our current resources.”
The rebate was a significant campaign promise from Premier David Eby during last fall’s election campaign.
“Eby’s plan will exempt an additional $10,000 of individual income from tax every year – providing a tax cut of over $1,000 for households and over $500 for individual British Columbians,” reads a previous release from the BC NDP.
However, as Trump ramped up his tariff threats against Canada, Eby warned last month that the rebates may not happen.
BC Public Service pauses hiring amid uncertainty related to Trump’s threats
Bailey also confirmed that BC Public Service has placed a hold on all hiring to tighten spending. The BC Public Service comprises of staff members working in government ministries. It does not include public sector workers such as teachers or healthcare practitioners.
This comes after the province announced a temporary hiring freeze on all BC Public Service external positions in December 2024.
“The world has changed since Trump became President, and we are ready to protect services and defend the people of BC, no matter what comes next,” said Bailey.
With files from Daily Hive’s Megan Devlin