Thursday, June 11, 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

Charges in June machete attack in Vancouver

Charges in June machete attack in Vancouver
Vancouver police say the 37-year-old suspect was arrested Wednesday near the city's Chinatown neighbourhood. He is now charged with two counts of aggravated assault and remains in custody awaiting an Aug. 17 court date.

Charges in June machete attack in Vancouver

More thunderstorms threaten southern B.C.

More thunderstorms threaten southern B.C.
The BC Wildfire Service website says 45 new fires have been recorded in the last two days, including one suspected lightning-caused blaze near Monte Lake, the same area where a massive wildfire destroyed homes last year.

More thunderstorms threaten southern B.C.

'Transformative' change possible, says Anjali Appadurai, 2nd NDP leadership candidate

'Transformative' change possible, says Anjali Appadurai, 2nd NDP leadership candidate
Anjali Appadurai is the second declared candidate in the leadership contest, joining NDP member of the legislature David Eby, who stepped away from his jobs as attorney general and minister in charge of housing to run for leader.

'Transformative' change possible, says Anjali Appadurai, 2nd NDP leadership candidate

Sentencing next month for man guilty of sextortion

Sentencing next month for man guilty of sextortion
Justice Martha Devlin set the hearing for Aydin Coban to begin on Sept. 20 in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster. A jury delivered a unanimous verdict on Saturday convicting Coban of extortion, harassment, communication with a young person to commit a sexual offence, and possession and distribution of child pornography in Todd's case.

Sentencing next month for man guilty of sextortion

Lightning could complicate B.C. wildfire woes

Lightning could complicate B.C. wildfire woes
Severe thunderstorm watches blanketed the B.C. interior from Prince George south to the U.S. border on Thursday. BC Wildfire Service information officer Karley Desrosiers said the forecast of lightning, gusty winds and high temperatures could make firefighting a challenge.  

Lightning could complicate B.C. wildfire woes

Woman found with gunshot wounds in Downtown Eastside: VPD

Woman found with gunshot wounds in Downtown Eastside: VPD
Officers discovered the injured 39-year-old near Main Street and East Cordova just before 1 a.m., after she approached a passerby and asked for help. When officers arrived, they found the victim badly injured. VPD provided immediate first aid to the woman, who was taken to hospital and is now receiving treatment for serious injuries.

Woman found with gunshot wounds in Downtown Eastside: VPD