Wednesday, June 17, 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

Vancouver Police seek witnesses to serious South Vancouver collision

Vancouver Police seek witnesses to serious South Vancouver collision
As the driver of a Toyota Matrix was making a left turn on East 57th Avenue from Fraser Street, he was struck by the driver of a Honda CR-V that was travelling south on Fraser Street at around 9 p.m. on April 27. Investigators believe speed was the main cause of this collision.    

Vancouver Police seek witnesses to serious South Vancouver collision

ICBC changes its policy on seeking costs from cyclists and pedestrians​​

ICBC changes its policy on seeking costs from cyclists and pedestrians​​
Additionally, claims involving a cyclist or pedestrian who has suffered a non-severe injury will be carefully considered by a committee of experts. These changes mean that, moving forward, the instances of when ICBC may seek recovery from cyclists or pedestrians will be much more limited.

ICBC changes its policy on seeking costs from cyclists and pedestrians​​

Surrey high school teacher Jasmine Kaur disciplined for speaking harshly and telling the class a student was failing

Surrey high school teacher Jasmine Kaur disciplined for speaking harshly and telling the class a student was failing
High school teacher Jasmine Kaur, teaching at a Surrey School, the school's name being kept confidential, was teaching a Grade 8 science class on Oct. 28, 2021, when angrily yelled at a student identified only as “Student A,” whom Kaur felt was behaving disrespectfully. 

Surrey high school teacher Jasmine Kaur disciplined for speaking harshly and telling the class a student was failing

PM accused of using 'F-bomb' in House of Commons

PM accused of using 'F-bomb' in House of Commons
Much has been made of the political legacy Justin Trudeau has to live up to as he follows in the footsteps of his father, a former prime minister. On Wednesday, he invoked one of Pierre Elliott Trudeau's most memorable quips when asked whether he had uttered unparliamentary language.

PM accused of using 'F-bomb' in House of Commons

B.C., Alberta heat wave among most extreme: study

B.C., Alberta heat wave among most extreme: study
The study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances found just five other heat waves since the 1960s were more extreme, based on how far they surpassed average summertime heat over the previous 10 years.

B.C., Alberta heat wave among most extreme: study

B.C. Opposition leader to focus on NDP's problems

B.C. Opposition leader to focus on NDP's problems
Kevin Falcon was elected Liberal leader earlier this year and won a byelection in the Vancouver-Quilchena riding over the weekend. Falcon says he'll pressure the NDP for answers on its failures to address crime in urban centres, doctor shortages, increasing health-care wait times and rising home, fuel and food costs.

B.C. Opposition leader to focus on NDP's problems