The British Columbia NDP government’s pre-election budget has alarmed critics as it projects a staggering deficit and unprecedented debt accumulation solely fueled by high government spending.

The budget, unveiled by Finance Minister Katrine Conroy Thursday, reveals a daunting deficit of $7.9 billion projected for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

This unprecedented deficit forecast marks a historic milestone for British Columbia, coinciding with the provincial government’s heightened spending targeted at easing the burden of soaring cost of living for residents.

Some are saying that it was strategically timed ahead of the next provincial election which is set to take place this October.