Friday, May 29, 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

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley
The union says its members, who work for a company that contracts service to BC Transit, have no pension and make 32 per cent less than bus drivers and other staff elsewhere in Metro Vancouver's transit system.

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker
The statement says Fortnite creator Epic Games enriches itself by making content and customization options purchasable via an in-game currency, which are purchased with real cash. The class-action lawsuit would still need approval from the court and none of the allegations have been proven in court.

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects. Officers have been actively interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area for CCTV footage. Due to the serious nature of the injuries the Major Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation. At this time, officers believe this to be an isolated incident.

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing

Turban ripped, Sikh student dragged by hair in Canada: Report

Turban ripped, Sikh student dragged by hair in Canada: Report
Gagandeep Singh, 21, was swarmed and beaten near Highway 97 and McCurdy Road in Kelowna after he got off a transit bus on March 17, CTV News reported. Gagandeep was heading home after grocery shopping when he encountered a group of young boys, between 12 and 15 years-old on the bus.

Turban ripped, Sikh student dragged by hair in Canada: Report

One-click citizenship oath temporary: Fraser

One-click citizenship oath temporary: Fraser
The immigration minister anticipates the one-click option would only be in effect as long as the government is swamped with backlogged citizenship applications. But the Conservative party's immigration critic worries it would "cheapen" an otherwise special moment for newcomers.

One-click citizenship oath temporary: Fraser

Man who stormed PM residence loses sentence appeal

Man who stormed PM residence loses sentence appeal
A decision dated Thursday says the six-year sentence handed to Corey Hurren in March 2021, less a year for the time he spent in custody before his sentencing, was "entirely fit." Hurren, a sausage-maker who served with the military's Canadian Rangers, had pleaded guilty to seven weapons charges and one mischief charge for his actions on the morning of July 2, 2020.

Man who stormed PM residence loses sentence appeal