BC economy faces slowdown

VICTORIA — Private-sector forecasters in B.C. say they agree with the government’s recent projection that economic growth will slow next year. The Economic Forecast Council, an independent 13-member group, met Finance Minister Katrine Conroy on Monday and told her they foresee 0.5% growth in 2024, slightly below Conroy’s recent forecast of 0.7%. B.C. finance ministers […]

Coastal GasLink pipeline done

VANCOUVER — The Coastal GasLink pipeline that stretches across northern B.C. is mechanically complete ahead of the company’s year-end deadline. A statement from TC Energy Corp. says history has been made by finishing Canada’s first pipeline to the West Coast in over 70 years. The company announced in October that the installation of the pipe […]

Solid deal for Vancouver cops

VANCOUVER — A new tentative agreement that would make Vancouver’s police officers the highest paid in Canada is a crucial tool for the city to recruit and retain talent in the face of a major labour crunch, the union representing the officers said. Vancouver Police Union president Ralph Kaisers said the union was happy to […]

Spec tax hits more in valley

VICTORIA — One of B.C.’s first measures to combat the housing crisis is being expanded to include 13 more communities. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy says the New Democrat government’s speculation and vacancy tax will now apply to 59 B.C. cities and towns. Vernon, Penticton, Courtenay and Kamloops are among the 13 communities that have been […]

Good news for BC gig workers

NEW WESTMINSTER — The B.C. government is introducing new protections for ride-hailing and food delivery app workers, including a minimum wage, compensation for expenses and other standards. A minimum hourly wage of $20.10, which is $3.35 more than the current general minimum wage, would apply for a gig worker’s “engaged time,” beginning when they accept […]

Teck sells its coal business

The CEO of Teck Resources Ltd. said its decision to sell a majority stake in its steelmaking coal business to Swiss commodities giant Glencore represents the best possible outcome after nearly a year of battling over the future of the Vancouver-based miner. Jonathan Price said in an interview he “couldn’t be happier” about the deal […]

Non-profits to receive $60M

VICTORIA — Certain non-profit organizations in B.C. are getting $60 million from the government in grant funding to help them do their work. Premier David Eby said the help of non-profits is crucial and they benefit the people of B.C. with community supports, arts and cultural services and assistance to find affordable housing. Four types […]

Teck waiting for right offer

The head of Teck Resources Ltd. says he will accept a bid for the company’s steelmaking coal business only if he feels confident Canadian regulators will approve the transaction. Jonathan Price, CEO of Canada’s largest diversified mining company, made the comments on Tuesday as part of an update on Teck’s ongoing efforts to separate its […]

Pipeline route change riles

OTTAWA — The federal Crown corporation constructing the expansion to the Trans Mountain pipeline says it remains committed to “meaningful engagement” with Indigenous communities after being given the green light to move the pipeline route over the objection of a First Nation. The Canada Energy Regulator approved the route change Monday a week after Trans […]

Fortis natural gas gets cheaper

SURREY — B.C. natural gas users can expect to see their monthly bills decrease starting in October. FortisBC says in a statement that it has been given approval by the B.C. Utilities Commission to drop its gas rates for customers by more than 90 cents a gigajoule starting Oct. 1. The utility says it will […]