Debt, deficit and spending: British Columbia’s budget by the numbers

VICTORIA – Some highlights from B.C.’s 2014-2015 budget:

— The budget projects surpluses of $184 million for 2014-15, $206 million for 2015-16, and $451 million for 2016-17.

— The total provincial debt is forecast to be $64.7 billion in 2014-15, $66.9 billion in 2015-16 and $68.9 billion in 2016-17.

— The government will end the current fiscal year with $175-million surplus — lower than the original $197-million surplus forecast last year but higher than the revised $165 million.

— The province anticipates nominal economic growth will average 2.6 per cent during the next three years.

— Total government spending this year is forecast at $44.4 billion.

— The budget earmarks $29 million over three years to attract LNG development.

— There is also $9 million set aside over three years for environmental assessments of proposed LNG, mining and other major projects

— The government plans to devote $5 million over five years to grow the aerospace and defence sector

— Taxes on tobacco will increase by 32 cents per pack, or $3.20 per carton on April 1.

— Health-care premiums monthly rates will increase four per cent — or $2.75 for an individual — on Jan. 1, 2015