Wednesday, June 10, 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

Stellar sea lion pup born at Vancouver Aquarium

Stellar sea lion pup born at Vancouver Aquarium
A statement from the aquarium says the birth occurred recently and the male pup, named Natoa, and his first-time mom, Rogue, are doing well. Mom and pup are currently in a private area of the aquarium but the statement says they will be moved to the Seal Cove exhibit for public viewing.

Stellar sea lion pup born at Vancouver Aquarium

Smoky skies in southern B.C. as wildfires continue

Smoky skies in southern B.C. as wildfires continue
Environment Canada has posted air-quality statements for the Fraser Valley and a large section of southeastern B.C., while haze is also expected across Metro Vancouver on Saturday. The BC Wildfire Service says a lightning-caused blaze sparked in northern Washington state last month now covers 70 square kilometres, including nearly 31 square kilometres that have burned in Manning Park.

Smoky skies in southern B.C. as wildfires continue

Ottawa approves Pfizer vaccine for youngest kids

Ottawa approves Pfizer vaccine for youngest kids
It's the second vaccine to be approved for that age group, after Health Canada approved Moderna's Spikevax shot in July. Health Canada says it is approving a three-dose primary series of the vaccine for children under five, with three weeks between the first and second doses and eight weeks between the second and third doses.

Ottawa approves Pfizer vaccine for youngest kids

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, what happens to our bills and coins?

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, what happens to our bills and coins?
The government will likely keep the Queen on the $20 bill for a while before any changes are made, however.  The Royal Canadian Mint, which manufactures and distributes Canada's coins, said the government has exclusive jurisdiction over their design.

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, what happens to our bills and coins?

Charges laid in UBC crash that killed two students

Charges laid in UBC crash that killed two students
Eighteen-year-olds Evan Smith and Emily Selwood were walking near the university student residences at the Point Grey campus early on Sept. 26, 2021, when a vehicle veered up onto the sidewalk and hit them and a parked car before stopping. Smith and Selwood died at the scene.  

Charges laid in UBC crash that killed two students

WATCH: Darpan Cruiser In Your City presents Ganesh Utsav | PNE Fair | Back to School

WATCH: Darpan Cruiser In Your City presents Ganesh Utsav | PNE Fair | Back to School
Darpan Cruiser In Your City brings you highlights from some incredible events that took place over the weekend. The events featured the best of what the Lower Mainland has to offer in terms of entertainment, culture, music and much more.

WATCH: Darpan Cruiser In Your City presents Ganesh Utsav | PNE Fair | Back to School