We all want young people to thrive. They are our children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbours. Their wellbeing matters today — and our shared future depends on the lives they are able to build. Parties’ spending choices should reflect this commitment.

Yet BC’s 2026 budget plans to increase annual medical spending by $3.2 billion by 2028 — more than double the combined increase for K-12 education, child care, trades training, and social services. This works out to about $2,100 in additional annual spending per retiree, compared with roughly $440 per resident under 45. On top of this disparity, the province projects another $37 billion in deficits over the next three years — unpaid bills left for younger and future generations to shoulder.

As spending rises to meet the needs of an aging population, investments in the foundations of younger people’s wellbeing aren’t keeping pace. Status quo spending will only continue to shortchange younger people. 

This election, every party must commit to investing adequately in the building blocks of a healthy society — affordable housing and child care, quality education, adequate incomes, and a healthy environment — with the same urgency they bring to supporting our aging loved ones.