Sunday, June 21, 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

Russia invasion threat to Ukraine imminent: Joly

Russia invasion threat to Ukraine imminent: Joly
- Canada's foreign affairs minister says the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine remains high as cyberattacks undermined earlier optimism Tuesday that the Kremlin might be drawing down its military forces.

Russia invasion threat to Ukraine imminent: Joly

B.C. to lift most COVID restrictions, but masks, vaccine rules remain

B.C. to lift most COVID restrictions, but masks, vaccine rules remain
People will be allowed to dance and mingle in public spaces starting at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday but masks and the COVID-19 vaccine card will still be required at organized gatherings like weddings and sports tournaments.    

B.C. to lift most COVID restrictions, but masks, vaccine rules remain

Pair arrested for stealing gas

Pair arrested for stealing gas
The female suspect, a 29-year-old from Surrey, was released at the scene pending further investigation. The male, a 44-year-old from Langley, was found to be breaching his curfew conditions and was held in custody.

Pair arrested for stealing gas

Feds drop mandatory PCR test for travel

Feds drop mandatory PCR test for travel
Travellers can instead opt for a rapid antigen test approved by the country in which it is purchased. However, Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said rapid tests will have to be administered by a laboratory or health care entity.

Feds drop mandatory PCR test for travel

Boys identified in Vancouver's oldest cold case

Boys identified in Vancouver's oldest cold case
Police say David and Derek D'Alton were six and seven when they were bludgeoned with a hatchet and left in Vancouver's Stanley Park in a case known as the "Babes in the Woods."

Boys identified in Vancouver's oldest cold case

Woman groped in Lynn Canyon Park

Woman groped in Lynn Canyon Park
The woman was exiting the Varley Loop Trail and crossing the foot bridge to Rice Lake Road at approximately 1:30 p.m. on February 13th when the suspect grabbed her buttocks from behind. The suspect is described as a Black or a South Asian male.    

Woman groped in Lynn Canyon Park