Tuesday, May 19, 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

Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence

Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and representatives of the Toronto Raptors basketball team are set to discuss the plans today at an event in Toronto. The government says the goal of the national day is to raise awareness and foster a national discussion about the causes and effects of gun violence.

Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence

British Columbia and Edmonton men face charges in Whitehorse drug raid

British Columbia and Edmonton men face charges in Whitehorse drug raid
A statement from Yukon RCMP says a search warrant was executed at a Whitehorse home on Saturday and a 22-year-old Richmond, B.C., man and 23-year-old Edmonton resident were arrested. Charges against them include trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, and money laundering.

British Columbia and Edmonton men face charges in Whitehorse drug raid

Schools warn families in Saanich, B.C., of youth gang crime as summer break nears

Schools warn families in Saanich, B.C., of youth gang crime as summer break nears
In a letter distributed by the Greater Victoria School District, school administrators say police in the region are alarmed about potential gang involvement of a small group of teenagers in the community. The letter urges parents to monitor their kids' routines for any change in their friend groups, or shifts in their attitudes or behaviour as well as any "unexplained possessions."

Schools warn families in Saanich, B.C., of youth gang crime as summer break nears

BC pharmacists given new powers

BC pharmacists given new powers
The College of Pharmacists of B-C says three-quarters of community pharmacists have finished the training required to be able to prescribe medications for 21 minor ailments like acne, shingles and urinary tract infections.  

BC pharmacists given new powers

Health Minister Adrian Dix addresses Surrey Memorial crisis

Health Minister Adrian Dix addresses Surrey Memorial crisis
Health Minister Adrian Dix says he met earlier today with emergency-room doctors and women's health physicians from Surrey Memorial Hospital and he's actively working on measures to address the overcrowding situation. That's after doctors penned several letters over the lasts few weeks, raising the alarm about the management of patient care at the hospital.

Health Minister Adrian Dix addresses Surrey Memorial crisis

Canada saw decline in fresh fruit, vegetable availability in 2022: StatCan

Canada saw decline in fresh fruit, vegetable availability in 2022: StatCan
Even though there was a 12.7 per cent increase in domestic fruit production, it was not enough to keep up with an increase in exports and a decrease in imports, the agency says in a report released today. 

Canada saw decline in fresh fruit, vegetable availability in 2022: StatCan