Friday, May 22, 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

Tourism to kick off once again for Canada

Tourism to kick off once again for Canada
The World Travel and Tourism Council says a return of overseas visitors to Canada's biggest cities will fuel a big rebound in Canada's travel and tourism sector this year. It's predicting the industry will pump 162.6-billion dollars into the economy, up more than 17 per cent from last year.

Tourism to kick off once again for Canada

NDP names, Ravi Parmar, as candidate in by-election to fill seat held by ex-premier Horgan

NDP names, Ravi Parmar, as candidate in by-election to fill seat held by ex-premier Horgan
It issued a release saying Parmar oversaw the largest expansion in the board's history while working alongside Horgan, who stepped down as premier last year and officially resigned his legislature seat in March.

NDP names, Ravi Parmar, as candidate in by-election to fill seat held by ex-premier Horgan

Suspect facing 7 gun related charges: Richmond RCMP

Suspect facing 7 gun related charges: Richmond RCMP
RCMP in B-C says one person is facing seven gun-related charges, including possession of a loaded firearm and careless storage of a firearm after the search. Police say drug-related charges are pending and the suspect has been released on bail.

Suspect facing 7 gun related charges: Richmond RCMP

Delta Police investigate home invasion

Delta Police investigate home invasion
The Delta Police Department says officers responded to a call on Friday in the 43-hundred block of Cormorant Drive in Tsawwessen. Two people who had been assaulted during the home invasion were taken to the hospital with injuries.

Delta Police investigate home invasion

Father and son stabbed at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Saturday, charges laid

Father and son stabbed at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Saturday, charges laid
On Saturday, at 10:28 p.m., police received a report of a stabbing at Surrey Memorial Hospital. The initial report indicated that two people had sustained injuries and the suspect was being detained by hospital security.

Father and son stabbed at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Saturday, charges laid

Man and woman face murder charges in death of Maple Ridge man Surinderjit Singh

Man and woman face murder charges in death of Maple Ridge man Surinderjit Singh
The province's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says 33-year-old Kimberley Buitenweg and 44-year-old Joseph McWilliam were arrested on Friday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Surinderjit “Jack” Singh. 

Man and woman face murder charges in death of Maple Ridge man Surinderjit Singh