Friday, June 19, 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

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February
Statistics Canada says that excluding gasoline prices, the headline inflation rate would have been 4.7 per cent in February. Grocery store prices were up 7.4 per cent for the largest yearly increase since May 2009, pushed higher by rising fuel costs that are being passed on to consumers.

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM
A defiant Zelenskyy, clad in his trademark olive-green military T-shirt, evoked some of the darkest memories in American history Wednesday as he urged members of the U.S. Congress to shutter the skies over his besieged country.    

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order
The decision from the office of B.C.'s privacy commissioner asserts that federal parties are also subject to the province's privacy law when it comes to the collection, use and disclosure of the personal information of B.C. residents.

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada
"Every night is a horrible night," he said, speaking in Ukrainian, to a crowded House of Commons where almost every MP, many senators and dozens of members of the public gathered to listen.

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada

Governor General meets Queen in person

Governor General meets Queen in person
The Queen wore a sapphire brooch given to her by former governor general David Johnston in 2017 to mark her 65th anniversary. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is being commemorated across the Commonwealth this year.

Governor General meets Queen in person

B.C., Washington to work on flooding plan

B.C., Washington to work on flooding plan
Flooding in southern B.C. and northern Washington in November displaced an estimated 500 people south of the border and about 14,000 were forced to flee their homes on the Canadian side.    

B.C., Washington to work on flooding plan