Optimism and pessimism about the economy are running neck and neck, according to a new survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada).

Each year, CPABC conducts its Business Outlook Survey to measure members’ perceptions of the current and future economic climate in BC. Respondents are also asked to share their thoughts on the challenges to business success, the performance of governments in supporting BC businesses, and efforts to stimulate economic activity in the province and in their local communities. 

According to CPABC’s BC Check-Up, BC’s economic growth moderated throughout 2018 and into 2019, while the housing market cooled and the labour market neared capacity. BC’s GDP growth rate is forecasted to slow from 2.4% in 2018, to 1.7% in 2019, and 2.0% in 2020 based on numbers by TD Economics.