British Columbia's projected deficit this year has risen to $13.6 billion dollars.  That's $850 million dollars more than what was projected in September.  The increase is due to the government's promised Pandemic Recovery Benefit, that offers up to $500 for individuals and $1000 for families.   The Minister of Finance presented the new numbers today.  Selina Robinson says the province has recovered almost 98 per cent of the jobs it lost at the start of the pandemic in March and April.  The construction, retail and hospitality sectors were hardest hit.  BC's unemployment rate in November was 7.1 per cent, but the unemployment rate among young people, many of whom work in retail and the hospitality sectors, was just above 14 per cent.   Robinson predicts most sectors will slowly recover in 2021, but she admits the tourism and hospitality sectors remain wild cards.  The finance minister says the government is examining how it might help.

Robinson says she will present next year's budget on April 20th, which is a little later than the norm.  The minister says the later date is to allow financial experts time to calculate the effect that mass vaccinations may have on the economy.