B.C. business leaders call on parties to outline economic plans in face of predicted record-level deficit

British Columbia’s predicted record-level deficit has ballooned further, new figures released by the province indicate, providing a backdrop to an election campaign in which B.C.’s business leaders are calling for both parties to deliver a clear plan to revitalize the economy.In releasing B.C.’s first quarterly financial report showing the deficit for the coming year has grown to nearly $9-billion – $1.1-billion higher than forecast – Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said now is not the time to balance the books.