BC Election Budget Boosts Family Benefits as Deficit Soars to $7.9B

Families and small business operators in British Columbia are expected to benefit in an election-year budget that boosts spending, but forecasts a growing deficit of more than $7.9 billion and economic growth of less than one per cent. The budget also pledges to introduce a home flipping tax to deter real estate speculators and a commitment to provide one cycle of free invitro fertilization to anyone who wants to start a family, Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said Thursday. B.C. is an economic leader in Canada but a slowing economy and increasing housing and grocery costs mean people needed help, she said....