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B.C. officials were quick to downplay the threat Monday. Even a small financial backlash from Ottawa could imperil the province’s balanced budget, which currently sits at a relatively tiny $219 million projected surplus for 2018/19, on an almost $54-billion fiscal plan.

“It would be inappropriate I believe for the federal government to threaten or try to coerce B.C.,” said Environment Minister George Heyman.

Federal transfers to B.C.’s treasury accounted for $8.9 billion this fiscal year, or almost 17 per cent of B.C.’s budget. The bulk of the funding is for the Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer, though Ottawa also kicks in cash for disaster relief, housing, and other transfers.

Federal money is key to B.C.’s ambitious promise for $10-a-day child care in the last election. Ottawa is promising $153-million over three years to help fund child care, which B.C. has said is key to getting its affordability program off the ground.

Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The NDP government’s plan to expand Metro Vancouver transit would not survive if Ottawa was to revoke some or part of its funding. The federal and provincial governments signed a deal earlier this month for $4.1-billion over 10 years, which includes Ottawa’s 40 per cent share of a proposed Broadway subway line and light rail in Surrey.

B.C. Finance Minister Carole James said she’s confident Ottawa will see the province is merely standing up for its rights.

“We continue to be open for business and open for investment, but it’s our job to stand up for the interests of British Columbians and we’re going to continue to do that,” she said.