BC NDP Leader David Eby is pledging a $500-million relief fund for small businesses affected by US tariffs and recent wildfires, alongside a new tax credit aimed at encouraging businesses to hire young workers.
The Small Business Tariff & Wildfire Relief Fund would offer interest-free loans of up to $1 million for as long as 72 months to eligible businesses affected by tariffs or wildfires.
BC NDP leader David Eby announces supports for small and medium-size businesses "hurt by the impact of tariffs."
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 7, 2026
- Loans of up to $1 million
- $5,000 refundable tax credit for hiring a young person
- Assistance to help move away from exporting to the US pic.twitter.com/oovvMw47EL
“Small businesses make our communities vibrant. They sponsor local sports teams and community events, and they give young people their very first jobs,” Eby said. “Even at the best of times, small business owners face big challenges and tight margins – all of which are made harder for many by unfair tariffs and the recent wildfires.”
The BC NDP says the fund is intended to provide a provincial backstop for small and medium-sized businesses facing financial losses from US tariffs where existing federal programs do not provide enough support.
Eby is also pledging a new Youth Hiring Tax Credit, which would provide small businesses with a $5,000 refundable tax credit for hiring someone between the ages of 18 and 30 into their first full-time job. To qualify, the position would have to last 12 months.
The party is also promising $6 million annually to help BC businesses diversify away from the US market, including through enhanced market research grants, one-on-one advice, and support for businesses looking to diversify their supply chains and reach new international markets.
“Our plan targets support to help businesses stay afloat in rough waters and for them to hire young people looking for their first job,” Eby said.
The announcement follows other affordability and business-related commitments from the BC NDP during the provincial election campaign.
Last week, Eby pledged to ban restrictive real estate rules that the party says prevent independent grocers from opening near major grocery chains and to establish a Lower Mainland food terminal aimed at giving smaller grocers greater wholesale access to products and local agricultural supply chains. The party has also pledged measures it says would lower fuel costs by as much as 30 cents per litre.
British Columbians head to the polls on October. 24.
