Monday, June 8, 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

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers
The BC Nurses Union has been calling for better protective measures for its members for at least 30 years. Its president, Aman Grewal, says nurses are punched, kicked, grabbed and verbally and sexually harassed at increasingly dangerous workplaces, where injury rates are under-reported and higher than those affecting first responders.

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley
According to the Mounties, this does not appear to be a random act. The area surrounding the scene will be cordoned off for a significant amount of time. IHIT will be working in partnership with Langley RCMP.

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence
Officers attended the scene and located holes in a fence as well damage to the exterior of a residence. The vehicle is described as a white four-door sedan. The investigation is ongoing and a motive has not yet been identified. 

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD
Two men have been arrested after barricading themselves with weapons inside a downtown grocery store this morning. A VPD crisis negotiator convinced the men to surrender without incident. The investigation is ongoing. 

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision
On Friday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a two vehicle collision occurred in the intersection of 132 Street and 108 Avenue. Two people have been transported to hospital with injuries. 

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border
The bodies of Jagdishkumar Patel, 39; his wife Vaishaliben Patel, 37; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and their three-year-old son, Dharmik, were found on Jan. 19 near Emerson, Man., just metres from the U.S. border. Their deaths were determined to be due to exposure. 

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border