The NDP government’s fiscal plan projects a $4.2-billion shortfall in 2023–24, followed by annual deficits of $3.8 billion and $3 billion. After the economy grew an estimated 2.8 per cent last year, the province expects growth to shrink to 0.4 per cent in 2023. (The Logic)

Talking point: While the budget makes large investments in housing and health care, there are fewer commitments to advance the economy. The province plans to spend $480 million over three years on its Future Ready plan, which aims to train people for in-demand jobs, including $39 million for a short-term skills training grant. It expects to release the full plan in the spring. There is $6 million over three years for a new critical minerals strategy, and a new carbon tax framework that will raise the levy by $15 per tonne annually, to a maximum $170 in 2030. The increase will start April 1. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade gave the budget a chilly reception, saying it’s “essentially silent on an economic strategy to attract investment, and increase our innovation capacity and competitive advantage.”