Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said Monday that the budget will focus on health care, public safety, and housing, adding that it will not forget rural B.C.

Last year, the province posted a $6 billion surplus, but Conroy says that’s not in the cards this time around.

While spending will be down, the province did announce on Sunday it was handing BC Ferries $500 million to lower fare increases.

BC Ferries users were looking at fare increases of over 10% a year through to 2028. The province says the investment will keep annual average fare increases below 3% a year.

The increase in core costs like fuel, along with higher inflation are factors driving up overall costs.

Once the budget is released, view details at B.C. Budget.