💰 B.C.’s “Blood Money” Deficit: Future Tobacco Cash Masking the Truth 💰

Breaking news: The B.C. government is counting billions in revenue that hasn’t even arrived yet. And most people have no idea. 😡

📄 The Tobacco Settlement: What’s Really Happening

B.C. recently reached a $3.6 billion settlement with tobacco companies over the harms of cigarettes. Sounds like good news, right? Well, only $936 million of that has actually been received. The remaining $2.7 billion is spread out over the next 18 years.

Yet, the government has counted $2.7 billion as current revenue for this fiscal year. In plain terms: they are pretending to have cash in hand that doesn’t exist. 🚨

🧮 The Accounting Trick

This is called accrual accounting, and yes, governments use it—but here’s the problem:

• The deficit appears smaller than it really is.
• The public sees a balanced budget on paper, but the cash isn’t available to spend.
• It creates the illusion that B.C. is financially stronger than it truly is. 🧐

Think of it like counting money you expect to get in 10 years as if it’s already in your wallet today. That’s misleading in any household—and it’s misleading in government too.

⚠️ Ethical Dimension: Blood Money

This is more than numbers. The settlement is compensation from companies responsible for decades of harm. Using it to make the deficit look better is not just financially dodgy—it’s ethically questionable. 💔

We’re calling it “Blood Money” because it comes from human suffering. Using it like free cash erases the moral weight and risks normalizing a budget built on harm. ❌

📉 Consequences if We Stay Silent

• If the public doesn’t notice, future governments may treat this money as a cushion for programs, debt, or tax decisions.
• In 5 years, when the money trickles in slowly, the deficit may be much higher than claimed today. ⚠️
• Social programs for vulnerable people could be affected because decisions are made based on misleading numbers.

🗣️ Call to Action: Pay Attention

We cannot let B.C. sweep its Blood Money under the rug. Here’s how to hold them accountable:

• 📌 Follow the budget and settlement updates closely.
• 📌 Share this information on social media. Awareness is key.
• 📌 Contact your MLA and demand transparency on how “future revenue” is reported.

It’s not just numbers—it’s ethics, trust, and accountability. Five years from now, we shouldn’t have to uncover the truth all over again. Pay attention now. 🚨

✊ Stand Up, B.C. Residents!

This isn’t just a fiscal technicality. It’s a wake-up call. When governments count money that doesn’t exist yet, we all lose. Make your voice heard. Demand that future payments be kept separate, transparent, and ethically recognized. The time to act is today. 💪