Doctors of BC is pleased to see continued investment in health care outlined in the provincial budget, which includes an additional $2.8 billion for the health care system over the next three years. Approximately $2.3 billion of this increase will be allocated to hiring more doctors, nurses, and health care workers, as well as spending on new and expanded facilities. Despite this investment, significant challenges continue to exist, and government needs to work with physicians and other front-line health care professionals to address urgent issues.
Recruitment and capital investments welcome
Budget 2026 identified several priorities that Doctors of BC supports. For example, the continued commitment to recruiting and retaining physicians and other much-needed health care professionals is welcomed.
Similarly, the continued investment of $131 million in intensive mental-health and addictions treatment, including involuntary treatment capacity, is desperately needed to begin addressing the challenges British Columbians see on their streets every day.
Challenges remain in rural and specialist care
“We were unsure if we would see continued investment in health care and are pleased that Budget 2026 focuses on protecting these critical services. While we appreciate the difficult fiscal environment, the growing demand for services is driven by an aging population with more complex needs—and that can’t be ignored,” said Doctors of BC President, Dr Adam Thompson.
“Absent, however, were any specific plans to address rural physician shortages or tackle specialist waitlists, which is concerning. Long-term planning and urgent supports are desperately needed to ensure the crises in these areas don’t worsen.”
Lastly, government announced ongoing investment in health care capital projects, including the redevelopment or new construction of hospitals and long-term care facilities. Many of these are desperately needed, but we are concerned about the announced slowing of some of these projects, most notably in long-term care.
Doctors of BC will continue to engage with the Ministry of Health to advocate on behalf of members. We will push them on the need to improve specialist wait times, reduce emergency department closures, and invest in other key areas such as maternity care, internal medicine, and radiology. Despite economic uncertainty, Doctors of BC believes that prioritizing health care funding is paramount to ensure stability and patient care in our province.
