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BC pauses public service hiring; slashes grocery rebate from upcoming budget

A hiring freeze on new public service employees is being implemented by the province amid the looming tariff threats from American President Donald Trump.

The announcement was made today (Thursday) by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey.

Bailey noted the tariffs already pose the threat of 100,000 jobs lost in all industries provincewide.

She added the current conditions have made it extremely challenging to prepare a budget, slated to be released on March 4th.

It was clarified that ‘public service’ roles are those which service provincial ministries directly, not to be confused with the majority of the ‘public sector.’

Additionally, the proposed provincial $1,000 rebate on groceries will not be included in Budget 2025.

Tomorrow (Friday), BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar will address the media from Sacramento, California to discuss his meetings with California representatives following the announcement of the Softwood Lumber Advisory Committee and the ongoing concerns about duties and broad tariffs from the United States.

Vista Radio has an interview scheduled with California Building Industry Association president Dan Dunmoyer on the topic at 3:30 PM.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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