Monday, December 29, 2025
ADVT 
National

Wildfire Costs, Dropping Revenues, Challenge B.C.'s Budget Surplus: Mike De Jong

The Canadian Press, 15 Sep, 2015 12:48 PM
    VICTORIA — British Columbians should expect mixed news when the province's first quarter financial update is released later today.
     
    Finance Minister Mike de Jong predicts wildfire suppression costs will reach about $380-million, once everything is added up.
     
    The minister says the unexpectedly high bill, coupled with a skid in some resource revenues, has put pressure on a balanced bottom line.
     
    However, he says there has been improvement in other areas, so overall, he remains cautiously confident that figures will remain in the black.
     
    In February, the province projected a surplus of $284-million for fiscal 2015/16.
     
    De Jong releases the first quarterly report at 10 a.m., in Victoria.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Wildfires In B.C. Wine Country Force Residents From Vineyards, Orchards

    Wildfires In B.C. Wine Country Force Residents From Vineyards, Orchards
    OLIVER, B.C. — Fast-moving wildfires in the heart of British Columbia's wine country are threatening prized vineyards and orchards, with scores of residents forced out of their homes.

    Wildfires In B.C. Wine Country Force Residents From Vineyards, Orchards

    Experts Disagree On Whether Canada's Drone Regulations Are Too Permissive

    Experts Disagree On Whether Canada's Drone Regulations Are Too Permissive
    People have been increasingly taking to the skies now that recreational drones are more affordable than ever.

    Experts Disagree On Whether Canada's Drone Regulations Are Too Permissive

    Some Okanagan Residents Forced To Flee Fires Are Being Allowed To Return

    Some Okanagan Residents Forced To Flee Fires Are Being Allowed To Return
    The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen says residents on the outskirts of Oliver who were ordered to leave on Friday because of the Wilson Mountain fire were allowed to go home Saturday.

    Some Okanagan Residents Forced To Flee Fires Are Being Allowed To Return

    Queen Mary 2 Abandons Search For Missing Crew Member Off Newfoundland

    Queen Mary 2 Abandons Search For Missing Crew Member Off Newfoundland
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Queen Mary 2 called off the search for a crew member late Saturday after he went overboard off the coast of Newfoundland.

    Queen Mary 2 Abandons Search For Missing Crew Member Off Newfoundland

    Critics Say Government Should Pay Air Ambulance Bill After Hospital Service Cuts

    Critics Say Government Should Pay Air Ambulance Bill After Hospital Service Cuts
    TORONTO — Critics say the Ontario government should pay the bill when patients are forced to take air or ground ambulances because their local hospital doesn't offer the service or treatment they need.

    Critics Say Government Should Pay Air Ambulance Bill After Hospital Service Cuts

    Music Too Loud, Won't Cut The Grass? Experts Weigh In On Neighbour Disputes

    Music Too Loud, Won't Cut The Grass? Experts Weigh In On Neighbour Disputes
    TORONTO — Many would consider the sound of kids gleefully playing outdoors a natural soundtrack of the summer.

    Music Too Loud, Won't Cut The Grass? Experts Weigh In On Neighbour Disputes