British Columbia's NDP government is facing significant criticism over a dramatic increase in public sector employees and associated payroll costs. Reports indicate that the number of public servants has jumped 32% since 2017, with the cost of payroll for those earning over $75,000 more than doubling, contributing to a structural deficit. This growth occurs despite ongoing staffing shortages in critical front-line positions like teaching and nursing. While Premier David Eby defends some growth as necessary for recruiting essential workers, critics argue the government is top-heavy, particularly in administration.
B.C. government takes heat over marked growth in public payroll
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British Columbia's NDP government is facing significant criticism over a dramatic increase in public sector employees and associated payroll costs. Reports indicate that the number of public servants has jumped 32% since 2017, with the cost of payroll for those earning over $75,000 more than doubling, contributing to a structural deficit. This growth occurs despite ongoing staffing shortages in critical front-line positions like teaching and nursing. While Premier David Eby defends some growth as necessary for recruiting essential workers, critics argue the government is top-heavy, particularly in administration.
Trending- 1 2017: Public servants in B.C. numbered just over 29,000.
- 2 Present: Public servants have increased to nearly 39,000 (a 32% jump over eight years).
- 3 Present: Payroll for those earning over $75,000 has more than doubled from $5 billion to $11.5 billion.
- 4 Present: The province faces a structural deficit of over $12 billion.
- 5 Present: The B.C. government is conducting an 'extensive review' of B.C. health authorities.
- Increased public payroll costs and a structural deficit of over $12 billion.
- Continued staffing shortages in critical public sectors (e.g., over 1,000 teachers, nearly 6,000 nurses).
- Slower private sector job growth compared to historical averages.
- Government facing political pressure and criticism from opposition parties and unions.
- An extensive review of B.C. health authorities is underway to minimize administrative costs.
What: The B.C. NDP government is defending itself against new reports detailing a dramatic increase in public sector employees and the cost of payroll, leading to criticism from opposition and unions.
When: Published 2025-06-09; reports are new; growth observed since 2017 (over eight years); current staffing shortages are ongoing.
Where: British Columbia, Canada.
Why: The size and cost of the public sector have grown significantly under the NDP government, leading to concerns about fiscal responsibility, a structural deficit, and the allocation of resources, especially given simultaneous shortages in critical front-line positions.
How: New reports have highlighted the increase in public sector jobs and payroll costs. Critics, including the BC Conservative finance critic and union leaders, are publicly challenging the government. Premier Eby is defending the growth but has also committed to an 'extensive review' of health authorities to minimize administrative costs.