Eby pledges $500-M relief fund for B.C. businesses hit by tariffs, wildfires

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 09, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CityNews Vancouver

SURREY, British Columbia — B.C. NDP Leader David Eby is promising a new $500-million relief fund for small and medium-sized businesses struggling with U.S. tariffs and recent wildfires, combining interest-free financing with incentives to hire young workers.

The proposal, announced during the provincial election campaign, would establish a Small Business Tariff and Wildfire Relief Fund if the B.C. NDP returns to government after the October 24 election. Qualifying businesses could access interest-free loans of up to $1 million, repayable over as long as 72 months. 

Eby framed the measure as a provincial backstop for businesses that have lost revenue, customers or faced higher costs because of U.S. trade measures or wildfire disruptions, particularly where existing federal programs may not cover their losses. The assistance remains a campaign proposal and is not yet in effect. 

The plan also puts youth employment at the center of the package.

Under a proposed Youth Hiring Tax Credit, a small business would receive a $5,000 refundable tax credit for hiring someone aged 18 to 30 into their first full-time job lasting at least 12 months. 

The B.C. NDP is also proposing $6 million annually for expanded market-research grants, business advice and other programs aimed at helping local companies diversify their supply chains and reach customers outside the United States. 

Eby said small businesses often operate on tight margins and argued that the combination of trade pressures and wildfire-related disruptions has made conditions more difficult for some operators across the province.

The announcement came as B.C.’s major parties used campaign stops in Surrey to outline competing economic plans. Interim B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson, for example, proposed removing the provincial sales tax on certain machinery, equipment and business software while pursuing regulatory changes aimed at reducing costs for businesses. 

For the NDP proposal, further details – including the full eligibility criteria for businesses seeking the loans – would need to be established if the party forms government and proceeds with the program.

British Columbians vote in the provincial election on October  24.