British Columbia

B.C. probing fiscal fitness of Crown corporations, schools in upcoming review

BC Hydro and the Liquor Distribution Branch are among the crown corporations that will be assessed.

Review aims to assess the quality of financial information available before the development of the 2018 budget

Finance Minister Carole James announced the review, which is to be completed in advance of the 2018 budget. (Greater Vancouver Board of Trade)

The province is moving to review the fiscal fitness of Crown corporations and other provincially-funded schools, universities, colleges and health sector operations. 

The public sector review was announced by finance minister Carole James, who said the information will help develop the 2018 budget and a funding plan for the next three years.

"My expectation is that the review will give [the] government a better picture of the risks, finances and fiscal forecasts," she said in a release.

"Every additional dollar that is carefully managed can be used to help make life more affordable for people."

Crown corporations under review will include:

  • BC Hydro
  • BC Lottery Corporation
  • Liquor Distribution Branch
  • Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
  • BC Housing Management Commission

According to the release, the province will hire independent consultants to help assess financial information.