Saturday, June 20, 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

Federal government warns Canadians against fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Federal government warns Canadians against fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered the warning to anyone contemplating joining the Russian military invasion of Ukraine on Thursday as she announced more Canadian sanctions on Moscow and support for Kyiv in response to that attack.

Federal government warns Canadians against fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect
At a Monday news conference at the Calgary airport hosted by the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable, WestJet communications vice-president Richard Bartrem said the carrier's flight volume remains at half of its 2019 level of roughly 700 trips per day.

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse
The Seattle Times reports Brandan L. Wilkins pleaded guilty in February 2021 to enticing a minor, traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor and possessing and receiving child pornography. Wilkins was a Transit Security Administration agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and has been in custody since his arrest in 2018.

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression can find a safe haven in Canada using expedited temporary visas for emergency travel. The minister also announced a new reunification program for Ukrainians with family in Canada and wish to come on a permanent basis.

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop
As the driver attempted to flee, he dropped a loaded handgun as he was running away from police. SGET officers took possession of the suspected firearm. The passenger was arrested a short distance away with assistance from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector
Russia's invasion of a sovereign European nation has had wide-ranging energy implications, and is now being used as ammunition by oil and gas sector proponents who offer it as proof that Canada must grow its domestic fossil fuel sector if it wants to ensure energy security.

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector