BC Budget 2026 Tabled, Vancouver International Wine Fest, Grants & Funds for Downtown Vancouver Businesses, Buy BC Program, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: February 19, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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BC Budget 2026 Tabled: Overview |
The Government of British Columbia has tabled Budget 2026, outlining its fiscal strategy for the next three years amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The budget focuses on protecting core public services, introducing targeted revenue measures, and supporting economic growth through skills training and major project development. The full Budget and Fiscal Plan is now available at: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/
Overview of the main components relevant to the broader provincial landscape:
Budget Strategy
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey described the budget as making “disciplined choices” to safeguard critical services while growing the economy. Growth is projected at: - 1.3% in 2026
- 1.8% in 2027
- Averaging 2.1% annually from 2028–2030
Health Care & Education A central focus of Budget 2026 is protecting health care, education, and social supports.
Health Care The budget includes $2.8 billion in new health-care funding over three years, aimed at: - Expanding system capacity
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Recruiting and training additional doctors, nurses, and health professionals
- Supporting mental-health and addictions services
- Continuing construction and operation of hospitals and care facilities
K–12 Education
The Province is allocating $634 million in new funding for K–12 education over three years, including: - $167 million for the Classroom Enhancement Fund
- Additional teachers, counsellors, and specialized supports
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Capital investments in school upgrades and seismic improvements
Child care stabilization is also included through a $330 million investment in ChildCareBC, along with additional funding to expand child care on school grounds. Public Safety & Justice Budget 2026 provides $139 million over three years aimed at: -
Reducing repeat violent and chronic property offending
- Strengthening court operations
- Supporting enforcement and intervention initiatives
The Province continues to emphasize a coordinated approach across justice, housing, and health systems to address community safety concerns. Investment in Major Projects and Natural Resources Economic growth through major projects is a key component of the fiscal strategy: -
Strategic Investment Fund - a $400 million Strategic Investments Special Account, designed to allow the Province to participate in and attract federal and private-sector investments in large-scale projects. Target sectors include: clean energy, sustainable forestry manufacturing, responsible mining, clean technology.
- Natural Resources and Permitting - investing more than $40 million over three years to streamline permitting processes in natural resources and tourism sectors.
Tax Measures and Revenue Changes Budget 2026 introduces several targeted revenue measures, including: -
Increasing the first personal income tax bracket rate from 5.06% to 5.60%
- Pausing tax bracket indexing from 2027 to 2030
- Expanding the PST base to include certain professional services
- Introducing a temporary 15% Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit
Deficit and Fiscal Outlook The projected deficits over the fiscal plan are: - $13.3 billion in 2026–27
- $12.2 billion in 2027–28
- $11.4 billion in 2028–29
Stay Tuned ABLE BC's analysis on the budget is in our next update, including commentary on elements of the budget that may have implications for the hospitality and beverage alcohol sector. |
FIFA World Cup™ Updates: Extending Hours |
With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™, kicking off June 13, 2026, hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for. View the Match Day Schedule here. If you’re planning to open earlier, stay open later, or otherwise adjust your liquor service hours to accommodate match schedules, now is the time to submit your licence amendment application.
Applications must be approved before the event, and processing times can vary - so we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. The LCRB & local governments are prioritizing FIFA-related applications and providing hands-on support to help licensees make the most of the economic opportunities related to the matches.
Additionally, ABLE BC's Bo Chen comments:
“Our government partners efforts in prioritizing these applications should be commended as Vancouver prepares for the world stage. To date, the City of Vancouver’s Licensing and Policy have received 125 applications from liquor primaries and food primaries. 71 city approvals have been sent to LCRB, and of those 60 are fully approved by the province. As we approach closer towards March, I encourage operators who are interested in extending their hours to submit their applications as soon as possible.”
For more information see LCRB's Liquor licensing guide for FIFA World Cup 2026™ The City is also encouraging businesses to review the Community Activation Playbook, which outlines options for public viewing, permitting, event activations, and FIFA-related programming. |
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People Working Well
The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retailers. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
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ABLE BC
Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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BC Food & Beverage Producers: Increase Your Visibility with Buy BC Partnership Program |
Intake for Buy BC Partnership Program cost-shared funding is now open!
Applications Dates: January 26 – February 20, 2026 (deadline: 4pm PST)
BC food and beverage producers could receive funding to support local marketing activities delivered April to November 2026, increasing consumer awareness and sales of your products within BC! Examples include: - Paid advertising
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Labelling and packaging
- Marketing collateral
- Market development trade shows and sales events
- In-store product demonstrations and promotions
Find out if you’re eligible and apply at buybcpartnershipprogram.ca.
This program is administered by MNP LLP on behalf of B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food. |
VIWF Trade Days: Vancouver Convention Centre East |
The 47th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival returns next month with the industry-focused Trade Days program on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13.
Taste new vintages and rare finds while exchanging valuable insights about the challenges facing our industry today. Explore the latest wine trends and dive into both renowned and emerging wine regions at themed seminars led by industry experts.
Program highlights include a tour of France with 27 wineries pouring wines from 10 storied regions in the Tasting Room and three French-focused trade seminars.
Catch up with colleagues from around the wine world and celebrate the achievements of the community at two industry lunches.
All 113 participating wineries from 14 countries will gather in the Tasting Room. Discover even more at regional stations featuring Beaujolais, Bordeaux, California, and New Zealand. Stop by curated pop-up wine bars—Bubbles ‘n’ Blush and Vive la France!—and refresh your palate with zero-proof beverages and light bites.
VIWF Trade Days features eight events over two days: Thursday, March 12: France: Terroir & Trends, 9:30 a.m. - Wine Seminar Principals Welcome Lunch, presented by Hillebrand Gori, 11:30 a.m. - Lunch
Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, 2:30 p.m.** - Tasting
Friday, March 13:
Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity, 9:30 a.m. - Wine Seminar Classic & Contemporary Australia, 9:30 a.m. - Wine Seminar Committed to Biodynamics, 9:30 a.m. - Wine Seminar* Celebrating Excellence: 22nd Annual Awards Lunch, presented by ContainerWorld, 11:15 a.m. - Lunch Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, 2:30 p.m.** - Tasting
*Held at The Vancouver Club **Buyers Hour: Early entrance at 1:30 p.m.
“It’s a chance to celebrate with your community. Wine brings people together beautifully. VIWF is Vancouver at its most joyful, curious, and connected.”
Purchase tickets and passes now at VanWineFest.ca.
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Spring Issue of the Quarterly Pour is Out! |
Read the Spring 2026 Issue of The Quarterly Pour . Featured articles in this issue:
Advertise with ABLE BC
The Quarterly Pour is the BC liquor industry’s source of trends and leading-edge news. The publication is the official magazine of ABLE BC, distributed quarterly to every licensee in the province.
For advertising opportunities in The Quarterly Pour, as well as the ABLE BC newsletter and website, download the 2026 Media Kit from EMC Publications. Contact Joyce Hayne, EMC Publications, at 604-574-4577or joyce@emcmarketing.com to book in now! |
Grants and Funds for Downtown Vancouver Businesses |
Our friends at the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (Downtown Van) have launched their 2026 Grants & Funds program - a practical initiative designed to support street-level businesses in strengthening storefronts, improving safety, and activating public space.
If you operate a business in downtown Vancouver, this is worth a look! Applications are open now and close March 2, 2026. Full details: https://www.dtvan.ca/funds/
What Funding Is Available? Downtown Van is offering four funding streams for eligible businesses: - Business Beautification Fund: Up to $2,000 to enhance the outward appearance of your street-level storefront — from façade improvements to aesthetic upgrades that boost curb appeal.
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Business Activation Fund: Up to $2,500 to help turn your storefront into a destination during major seasonal and cultural events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ideal for themed displays, activations, and event-aligned programming.
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Security Camera Fund: Up to $2,000 to install, replace, or upgrade a security camera system — supporting business safety and crime prevention.
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Patio Fund: Up to $3,000 to build, expand, or improve a patio space — helping businesses enhance the customer experience and activate outdoor areas.
Key Dates - February 2, 2026: Applications open
- March 2, 2026: Application deadline
- March 20, 2026: Successful and waitlisted applicants notified
- March 31, 2026: Deadline to accept funding
- April 1, 2026: Approved projects may begin
Funding is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must receive approval before making purchases. |
BCHA Fast Track Your Future: New - AI Integration & Hospitality |
In response to growing interest from members and the rapid evolution of hotel operations, the BCHA is pleased to introduce a new Fast Track Your Future series: AI Integration for Hospitality
Facilitated by Peter Pilarski, Tourism AI Network
March 10-April 13, 2026
This six-part, interactive training series is designed specifically for hotel and hospitality professionals looking to integrate AI tools into their daily operations for immediate productivity gains and enhanced guest experiences.
Each one-hour session blends foundational understanding with hands-on application. Participants will actively build custom AI tools, workflows, and prompts they can implement right away across marketing, guest communications, customer service, and operational decision-making.
The program follows a progressive learning path, guiding participants from understanding AI’s role in hospitality, to building personal productivity systems, and ultimately applying AI strategically across departments for long-term value.
Session Schedule: - Foundations & the AI Opportunity for Hotels
- Building Your Personal Productivity System
- AI for Hotel Marketing & Guest Communications
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Elevating Customer Service with AI
- Operational Excellence & Cross-Functional Applications
- Pattern Recognition, Scaling, & Long-Term Success
Technical Requirements
To fully participate in the hands-on components, attendees must join with a computer and maintain an active subscription to one of the following AI platforms: - Claude Pro
- ChatGPT Plus or Teams
- Google Gemini Advanced
- Microsoft Copilot
These paid versions provide essential features such as custom instructions, memory, advanced reasoning, and file analysis required for the training exercises.
This timely new series reflects the growing role AI is playing in hospitality and provides practical tools to help teams work smarter, respond faster, and stay competitive.
Register by clicking here. Other Upcoming Fast Track Series
Managing Food & Beverage Operations | March 4-April 8, 2026
Advanced Leadership for Hospitality Professionals – level 2 (NEW!) | Apr 22-May 27
Guest Experience & Service Excellence sponsored by Stayntouch | Apr 21-May 26 |
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Valued Partners of ABLE BC |
Our valued partners play a vital role in advancing our industry, and we’re proud to highlight their continued support. |
Cannabis Corner: Message from ABLE BC Cannabis Committee Chair |
Feven Berhane speaking at Grow Up (Photo Courtesy of Grow Up - Vancouver & By Dominic Chan) |
Over the past six months, our industry has been on a bit of a roller coaster. Since the summer, BC’s cannabis ecosystem has navigated supply chain disruptions, uncertainty, and the ripple effects of the industry related job action. We adapted, we problem-solved, and we kept our doors open in a time when many worried that wouldn’t be possible. What gives me real hope is what emerged from that challenge.
During this period, I’ve seen stronger alignment and deeper relationships form between independent retailers and BC producers. There’s been more communication, collaboration, and understanding on both sides. A resilient industry isn’t built in isolation - it’s built together. Click here to read more. |
go2HR on Tap: Introducing go2HR for Hire |
For decades, go2HR has been a trusted partner to BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry, offering expert HR resources and guidance to support employers province-wide. That commitment continues, and now it grows.
Now, they’re expanding that support with a new premium paid service: go2HR For Hire, designed for employers who need more than advisory support and are looking for direct, hands-on HR expertise. This new offering allows employers to work directly with go2HR’s experienced HR consultants for support with recruitment and onboarding, workplace policies and compliance, people and culture development, and ongoing fractional HR services.
Built on go2HR’s deep sector knowledge, go2HR For Hire delivers practical, customized HR solutions tailored specifically to the realities of Tourism & Hospitality workplaces. go2HR For Hire is more than a new service. It is a new chapter in go2HR’s story of supporting employers across the province.
Check out how go2HR can support your team’s growth today, or email them at hireus@go2HR.ca to start the conversation |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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