Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote
A statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs says Modi told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 summit in New Delhi that progress in the two countries' relationship requires "mutual respect and trust."  

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation
The British Columbia government has set the allowable rent increase for next year at 3.5 per cent. The rate is more than two percentage points below the 12-month average inflation rate of 5.6 per cent.   

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation

Replacement plane en route to India to bring Trudeau, Canadian delegation home

Replacement plane en route to India to bring Trudeau, Canadian delegation home
Senior government sources said a technician is headed to India with the part needed to fix the mechanical issue on the original plane, and that the replacement plane will take the Canadian delegation home if the technician is not able to fix the issue. 

Replacement plane en route to India to bring Trudeau, Canadian delegation home

B.C. sets up climate emergency task force amid wildfire crisis

B.C. sets up climate emergency task force amid wildfire crisis
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he's launching an expert task force into wildfires, drought and heat emergencies that have hammered the province. Eby, who's in the B.C. Interior touring wildfire zones, says the province is still focused on the fire battle, but it also needs to improve prevention and response measures.

B.C. sets up climate emergency task force amid wildfire crisis

Three people injured, suspect in custody following stabbings in Vancouver's Chinatown

Three people injured, suspect in custody following stabbings in Vancouver's Chinatown
One man is in police custody after three people were stabbed at Vancouver's Light Up Chinatown! festival. Vancouver police say the attack took place just before 6 p.m. Sunday, near the festival stage at Columbia and Keefer Streets.

Three people injured, suspect in custody following stabbings in Vancouver's Chinatown

Double shooting in East Vancouver

Double shooting in East Vancouver
Police say they're investigating a double shooting that occurred in East Vancouver over the weekend. Investigators were called after midnight on Sunday about a shooting near Victoria Drive and East 28th Avenue. 

Double shooting in East Vancouver