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

Police blame arson for Vancouver church fire

Police blame arson for Vancouver church fire
The fire destroyed a two-storey building that housed the church and a convenience store and threatened the seven-storey Maple Hotel, temporarily displacing vulnerable residents. Const. Tania Visintin says investigators believe each of the three knew of the arson and had time to either put out the fire or call for help.  

Police blame arson for Vancouver church fire

New air passenger protection rules take effect

New air passenger protection rules take effect
Starting Thursday, airlines will be required to issue a full refund for cancellations and delays if passengers are not placed on a new flight within 48 hours, including for reasons outside of the airline's control. Previously, the passenger rights regime only required refunds for flight disruptions that were within the airline's control, which excluded situations ranging from weather to war.  

New air passenger protection rules take effect

Liberals to temporarily hike GST rebates

Liberals to temporarily hike GST rebates
Two federal sources familiar with the plan say it will look to double some GST payments for six months, include help for Canadians struggling to pay their rent and launch the first step of a national dental-care program.  

Liberals to temporarily hike GST rebates

Business as usual in Canada after Queen's death

Business as usual in Canada after Queen's death
The succession from the Queen to her eldest son Charles is automatic, without any disruption to governing bodies that sit in her name or to legislation, oaths and other legal documents issued in her name. "The phrase 'The Queen is dead, long live the King!' applies here and in the U.K."

Business as usual in Canada after Queen's death

Surrey RCMP seek to locate missing man Rohit Verma

Surrey RCMP seek to locate missing man Rohit Verma
Rohit has not gone missing before and all attempts to contact him has been negative. Police and family are concerned for his well-being. Rohit is described as South Asian male, 5’7” tall, 141 lbs, with a black beard and balding black hair.  His last known clothing description is unknown.

Surrey RCMP seek to locate missing man Rohit Verma

Prince Charles has long history with Canada, but must step into the spotlight as King

Prince Charles has long history with Canada, but must step into the spotlight as King
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II announced Thursday, Charles is set to take over as Canada's new head of state. Most recently, Charles and his wife, Camilla, travelled to Canada in May as part of the celebrations of the Queen's platinum jubilee. The three-day tour was focused on climate change, literacy and reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples.

Prince Charles has long history with Canada, but must step into the spotlight as King