Thursday, May 14, 2026
ADVT 
National

B.C. growth forecast drops to one per cent for 2023, but deficit projection improves

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Nov, 2023 04:38 PM
  • B.C. growth forecast drops to one per cent for 2023, but deficit projection improves

British Columbia's economy is forecast to grow one per cent in 2023, a drop from the 1.2 per cent predicted earlier by the Ministry of Finance.

The ministry's second quarterly report also forecasts slower economic growth for next year of 0.7 per cent.

But the budget's September deficit forecast of $6.7 billion has improved by $1.1 billion, with this year's deficit now projected at $5.6 billion.

The ministry says in a statement the province's economy is being impacted by slow growth globally and high interest rates in Canada.

It says employment growth has expanded by 1.4 per cent, while B.C.'s population grew by three per cent.

Finance Minister Katrine Conroy says people's budgets have been squeezed by global inflation, while high interest rates are making the already high cost of buying or renting a home more expensive, but the government will continue supporting people by helping to ease the pressure of everyday costs. 

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan says port workers strike illegal

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan says port workers strike illegal
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada says "employers have not addressed the cost of living issues" faced by workers in the last few years. The tentative four-year deal that was rejected had been proposed by a federal mediator at the instruction of O'Regan.    

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan says port workers strike illegal

Arson in Green Timbers Park

Arson in Green Timbers Park
Police in Surrey are investigating multiple fires set in Green Timbers Park early yesterday.  Officers conducted foot patrols after a citizen reported a fire and they found several other blazes. 

Arson in Green Timbers Park

Surrey Police decision coming today

Surrey Police decision coming today
The decision by Solicitor General Mike Farnworth comes amid a tug of war that saw city council vote for the Mounties despite a provincial recommendation they stay with the Surrey Police Service.

Surrey Police decision coming today

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long
Rob Ashton, the president of the International Longshore Workers Union Canada, says in a statement that its caucus does not believe the deal can protect jobs "now or into the future." Ashton also says the four-year agreement is "far too long" given the uncertainties in the industry and the economy overall.  

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital
B-C's police watchdog is investigating the death of a man after he was shot by police in a hospital Wednesday. Mounties say an "interaction" between the man and officers occurred at the Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, resulting in one officer discharging their firearm.  

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group
British police have arrested a Canadian man on suspicion of being a member of a terrorism group. The Metropolitan Police in London, England say counterterrorism detectives arrested a 28-year-old Canadian national at Heathrow Airport shortly after noon.

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group