Sunday, June 14, 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

New drug price rules may mean big savings: PBO

New drug price rules may mean big savings: PBO
The changes are expected to come into effect on July 1, after being pushed back four times during the pandemic. The PBO says in a newly released report that if the changes had been in place in 2018, Canada would have spent 19 per cent less, representing about $2.8 billion.

New drug price rules may mean big savings: PBO

Two dead, one of them shot by B.C. police: RCMP

Two dead, one of them shot by B.C. police: RCMP
Police say in a statement they were called Monday to a report of a homicide at a local marina with hostages being involved. When officers arrived, they learned the male suspect was alone and attempts were made to negotiate with the man, who police say had a weapon.

Two dead, one of them shot by B.C. police: RCMP

Crown probing ex-MP Grewal's India trip guest list

Crown probing ex-MP Grewal's India trip guest list
Grewal, 36, is facing two charges of breach of trust, related to loans he sought from friends, family and other associates to help pay for a gambling habit that racked up millions of dollars in debt.

Crown probing ex-MP Grewal's India trip guest list

You can now check your passport wait time online

You can now check your passport wait time online
The federal government says 72 per cent of Canadians who apply for a passport in any manner will get it within 40 business days, while 96 per cent of people who submit their application in person will get their passport within 10 business days.

You can now check your passport wait time online

Probe into police actions at 8 B.C. agencies

Probe into police actions at 8 B.C. agencies
Officers from departments in Victoria, Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, Saanich, Victoria and the Metro Vancouver Transit Police are being investigated, the statement said.

Probe into police actions at 8 B.C. agencies

Hard rain in southeastern B.C. could mean flooding

Hard rain in southeastern B.C. could mean flooding
Flood warnings, watches or high streamflow advisories cover much of southern B.C. and Environment Canada said Fernie would be the centre of a rainstorm bringing 50 to 80 millimetres before it tapered to showers Tuesday.    

Hard rain in southeastern B.C. could mean flooding