Private forecasters see economic growth in B.C. slowing to 0.5 per cent next year

Private-sector forecasters in British Columbia say they agree with the provincial government's recent projection that economic growth will slow next year.

The Economic Forecast Council, an independent 13-member group, met B.C. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy on Monday and told her they foresee 0.5 per cent growth in 2024, slightly below Conroy's recent forecast of 0.7 per cent.

B.C. finance ministers traditionally meet annually with the forecast council ahead of the introduction of the government's budget. The next budget announcement is set for Feb. 22.

Conroy last week said slowing global economies and inflation in Canada were contributing to her downgraded economic growth prediction for the province. 

The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that most forecast council members believe the impact of past Bank of Canada interest rate hikes haven't been fully felt and housing affordability and supply remain challenges.

Opposition B.C. United finance critic Peter Milobar, who attended the forecast council's meetings, said he heard concerns about a lack of future development, now that major projects including oil and gas pipelines, the Kitimat liquefied natural gas terminal and the Site C dam are nearing completion.

"Despite [increased] immigration masking a lot of structural problems with our economy and not making it look like a recession, in people's households they are very much feeling like it's a recession," he said at a news conference.

Conroy last week said B.C.'s economy is projected to grow by about one per cent this year, a dip from the forecast in September of 1.2 per cent growth.