B.C. cabinet shuffles as Finance Minister Brenda Bailey takes leave for cancer treatment
Josie Osborne moves to Finance, Ravi Kahlon takes Health, and Bailey steps back from her role while undergoing treatment expected to conclude by October.
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B.C. Premier David Eby shuffled cabinet Friday after Finance Minister Brenda Bailey announced she's been diagnosed with early-stage cancer.
Bailey will step back from Finance to take on Jobs and Economic Growth while she undergoes treatment beginning in late August. She expects to return to cabinet in early October. Health Minister Josie Osborne moves into Finance, and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon, one of Eby's most-trusted lieutenants, takes over Health. Energy Minister Adrian Dix will cover Bailey's current portfolio while she's away.
Bailey, the NDP MLA for Vancouver-South Granville, has led Finance since November 2024. She oversaw efforts to reduce the province's deficit from a projected $10.9 billion to $7.7 billion in 2025-26, largely through a $2.6 billion settlement from tobacco companies. But the government faces mounting pressure: the projected deficit for 2026-27 is $13.3 billion, and a mediated agreement with the B.C. General Employees' Union will increase public-sector salary costs by more than $16 billion over the next four years.
Bailey is the third member of Eby's caucus to experience health issues in recent years. Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore was shuffled out of Children and Family Development after a cancer diagnosis and has since returned to the legislature.
How will the $13.3 billion projected deficit for 2026-27 be addressed as salary costs rise by $16 billion over four years?
What specific economic priorities will Bailey focus on in her new role during her recovery?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
When did Brenda Bailey's cancer treatment begin?
Brenda Bailey's treatment began in late August 2026.
When is Brenda Bailey expected to return to cabinet?
Brenda Bailey is expected to return to cabinet in early October 2026.
