HSA Welcomes Decision to Maintain Health Care in BC Budget 2026, Calls for Continued Action

Union says budget is an important step but pressures on system remain significant

The Health Sciences Association (HSA) says it welcomes the government’s decision to maintain frontline health care funding in British Columbia despite mounting economic challenges.

“We appreciate that health care has been identified as a priority in this budget,” HSA President Sarah Kooner says. “We’re in an undoubtedly challenging economic climate, and we welcome the government’s recognition that maintaining the health care system is central to BC’s growth.”

HSA represents more than 23,000 health science and community social service professionals working across acute care, long-term care, and community health settings. For years, these highly trained specialists have seen increasing rates of burn out due to rising demand for health care and the growing complexity in patient care.

While the budget signals a commitment to health care, significant pressures remain. Workforce shortages and burnout continue to affect nearly every stage of care, contributing to extended wait times and cancelled procedures across the province.

“The economy depends on a reliable health care system, just as it depends on reliable roads and bridges. To reduce wait times and cancellations, we need to invest in hiring and supporting lab technologists, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers, radiation therapists, physiotherapists, CT, X-Ray, MRI, and PET technologists, and our other specialized professionals,” said Kooner. 

HSA looks forward to working with the government to build on this year’s budget and to ensure everyone in BC receives the high-quality health care they expect and deserve.