B.C. unions share wish list as federal budget set to post massive deficit
Posted November 4, 2025 7:26 am.
Last Updated November 4, 2025 7:27 am.
The federal government is set to unveil its budget Tuesday, which will be a first for the Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney. It’s the party’s first fiscal update in almost a year and the first since Carney released the party’s agenda during the spring election.
Canadians have been told temper their expectations; the budget is expected to post a deficit of at least $68.5 billion. The Carney government has also hinted there will be austerity measures in the budget, pulling back on day-to-day spending, and it’s unclear if that will lead to civil service job cuts.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The federal finance minister says there will also be “generational investments” as the country looks to shift away from trading with the U.S., which has hit Canada hard with several hefty tariffs since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year.
The vote on the budget is a confidence vote. And because Carney’s caucus is three votes shy of a majority, the federal government will need some opposition MPs to either support the budget or refrain from casting a ballot to help avoid an early — and expensive — election.
B.C. unions want job protection
Sussanne Skidmore, president of the BC Federation of Labour, tells 1130 NewsRadio she’s nervous about the budget.
Like many, she says the economy is in rough shape, but feels more than ever, that now is the time for the federal government to invest in homegrown projects to help keep jobs in Canada.
“People are looking to the government to do right by working people. That continued investment, and making sure that work continues to happen. Now is not the time for an austerity government, now is not the time to cut the things that we need the most in British Columbia or Canada,” said Skidmore.
She’s also calling for funding to help protect jobs in sectors like softwood lumber, which has been hit hard by U.S. tariffs.
“We’re going to be looking for government action there and expecting to see some there. Bearing in mind that any support that comes this way for businesses has to be tied to the working people. We’re also looking for strengthening the EI system as well as making sure the workers who are impacted have the supports they need to get through these tough times we’re in.”
She’s hoping to see a commitment to nation-building projects that will keep worried workers employed.
“Making sure there are big projects, but also the investment goes into making sure those projects are built with union labour, that there’s also ties and commitments to not only infrastructure but building the skilled workforce — so the training and education that’s required to do that work is also being committed to.”
Skidmore also wants a federal commitment to housing, transportation, post-secondary institutions and the construction industry.
On the frontlines, she says the thousands of workers represented by the federation are scared.
“Whether they’re public sector workers or private sector workers, people are worried. They’re worried about the downturn in the economy. They’re worried about being able to pay their bills. They’re worried about being able to fill their tank full of gas or buy groceries.”
Skidmore laughed hard when asked what she thought of the job Carney had done so far in office. She wouldn’t provide a letter grade when it came to his performance to date.
“There’s been a lot of really big talk. There’s been a lot of talk about elbows up and a lot of talk about jobs and working people and all of that, but I want the prime minister to put his money where his mouth is.”
She feels Premier David Eby and his cabinet have done a better job of hearing the concerns of working people.
“David Eby’s team is open to hearing from us. They’re open to listening to ideas, and they’re also making sure that working people and their unions are represented at decision-making tables. For example, we were part of the discussions around the tariffs, so we’re definitely part of the conversation. We’re not always going to agree and we’re not always going to get along on every issue, but the doors are open and we’re at the table.”
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