Sunday, June 7, 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

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured
The Squamish Estuary trail network, a conservation area next to the mountain community's downtown centre about 60 kilometres north of Vancouver, will be closed until further notice. Bears are stressed at this time of year, as they seek food ahead of denning, which is expected in a few weeks as the weather cools.

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity
The findings are based on data released by the guild Friday on all productions signed by its 860 director members in 2021. The report says women directed 40 per cent of DGC-signed feature films and 43 per cent of episodic television last year.

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract
The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association negotiates for a range of union positions, including medical technologists, lab workers, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists.  

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one
According to Mounties, "Initial reports advised an adult man entered the front door and was seen carrying what appeared to be a rifle. The school was immediately locked down and secured while numerous police resources rushed to the school".  

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one

End time changes and daylight time, experts say

End time changes and daylight time, experts say
Daylight time, which sees people enjoy an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day starting March 13, ends on Sunday. Experts say the tradition of springing forward and falling back in time every year is taxing on individuals' health.  

End time changes and daylight time, experts say

Advocates call on governments to fix health care

Advocates call on governments to fix health care
The Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association and HealthCareCAN, an association representing health organizations and hospitals, have issued a list of steps governments should take to fix the country’s health-care system.  

Advocates call on governments to fix health care