Monday, May 18, 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

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility
Health Minister Adrian Dix says the funding will go toward structural repairs, enhancing patient care rooms, improving ventilation and making it more accessible. The minister says construction is expected to be complete by 2025.

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility

2 injured in shooting, 8 arrested: VPD

2 injured in shooting, 8 arrested: VPD
Witnesses called 9-1-1 reporting shots fired near East Hastings and Columbia just before 4:30 p.m. VPD flooded the area and located a victim with gunshot wounds, while several people were seen fleeing the area on foot. Eight people were arrested and have since been released pending further investigation.

2 injured in shooting, 8 arrested: VPD

Greens vouch for free transit for youth

Greens vouch for free transit for youth
B-C Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau says it's time youth up to the age of 18 were allowed to ride free on transit. A statement from Furstenau says the B-C Green caucus wants the New Democrat government to expand free transit to youth.

Greens vouch for free transit for youth

Overdose crisis texts implemented at VCH

Overdose crisis texts implemented at VCH
A new text alert system to warn about batches of toxic drugs is being implemented in the Vancouver Coastal Health authority. Those who want the alerts can text JOIN to the number 2-5-3-7-8-7, while those who were already signed up on Radar will be added automatically.  

Overdose crisis texts implemented at VCH

Nearly 700 more international firefighters coming to Canada to help battle fires

Nearly 700 more international firefighters coming to Canada to help battle fires
Almost 700 firefighters from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States are set to arrive in Canada over the next two weeks to help with the unusually severe start to the wildfire season. There are 214 fires burning and 93 of them are out of control, up from 87 out-of-control fires Thursday.  

Nearly 700 more international firefighters coming to Canada to help battle fires

Vancouver home sales rise in May, nearing 10-year average: real estate board

Vancouver home sales rise in May, nearing 10-year average: real estate board
The B.C. board says Vancouver's housing market is showing signs of heating up heading into the summer, as prices increased for the sixth consecutive month.  The board says sales for the month totalled 3,411, which was 1.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average of 3,458.

Vancouver home sales rise in May, nearing 10-year average: real estate board