Securing BC’s Future is the tagline for the 2026 BC Budget; what does a secure future look like to you?

There is one month before BC’s proposed 2026 Budget is brought to the Legislature for discussion; how do you get your voice heard?

REACH OUT PERSONALLY

The best way is to reach out directly to either the Finance Minister’s office or your MLA with a personal message that speaks to how this budget change would impact you and your immediate community. Here’s a great link on MLAs in Vancouver constituencies with their contact information; Google to find yours if you located outside of this region! Seek out if they offer public roundtables (or question why if they don’t), check for events or open houses; or go ahead and ask your local MLA office what the best way to be heard is! You are represented by them, so go ahead and use your voice.

WRITE YOUR MLA

A letter or email is the next best thing to getting face time with your legislative representative. Be clear on what KEY IDEA you want to convey, along with the action you hope they will consider. In addition to adding your voice, this is an opportunity to educate your MLA on issues within their community. A unique [non-templated] letter with the who (introduce yourself as a constituent), the what (issue at hand) and the why (what moved you to have your voice heard) can be effective. If you don’t know where to start, this is a great resource (note: this is directed at federal MP letter-writing, but otherwise a fantastic guide). And don’t forget to follow up; if you don’t get an acknowledgement of your letter or email, call your MLA’s office!

SIGN A PETITION

Although the least impactful, it always helps to stand behind a petition that supports your point of view. Here is one that has been created in regards to the 2026 BC Budget with the aim to keep the PST exemption on yarn and fibre materials as essential tools to the people of our province: https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-pst-on-yarn-fabric-and-crafting-supplies-in-bc

WHAT’s THE ISSUE?

The key is to be clear on the issue you want to prioritize and convey. I have heard a variety of impacts that the removal of the PST exemption will make on the lives of British Columbians but regardless the the singular call to action should be this:

We ask that you retain the PST exception on fabric, yarn, natural fibres, and synthetic thread that are commonly used in making or repairing clothing.

(…as it comes directly from the wording used by the current government).

And be sure to make your voice authentic; are you:

• Concerned that the increased costs will limit access to materials that you deem should be essential?
• Unsure that the economic impact would outweigh its potential detriment on a sector that has an overall benefit to society?
• Troubled that this may directly impact the economy in the long term with the closing of small businesses and third-space community resources?
• Worried that barriers to access to making, mending and repair:
  • limits ability to keep more clothing out of landfills
  • disproportionately impacts women
  • may eliminates slow fashion options for people of rural communities
  • limit options to support and promote Canadian-made clothing and textiles

These are just some of the issues that have surfaced with this proposed change. Which is most important to you? AND is it important enough to make your voice heard? Ask yourself: what does a secure future in BC mean for you?