Energy and interest costs now absorb a record one-quarter of overall household disposable income.

B.C. is a very diversified economy, with strength in the high-tech industries, expanding natural gas and base metal sectors and booming non-residential construction. However, slowing exports in the province's key forest products sector will likely hold back gains in employment and vehicle sales in 2006.

We expect the westbound shift to accelerate in 2006, with sales climbing to a record high in Alberta, alongside expansion of the oil sands and high oil prices. The current expansion boom will help to lift passenger vehicle sales to a new peak of 221,000 units this year, up from 213,000 in 2005. Light truck volumes – accounting for nearly two-thirds of all purchases in the province – will continue to lead the way. Light truck sales in Alberta surged by 14 percent last year and now represent 18 percent of the Canadian total. In contrast, the province accounts for less than 10 percent of car sales in Canada.

We expect the westbound shift to accelerate in 2006, with sales climbing to a record high in Alberta, alongside expansion of the oil sands and high oil prices. The current expansion boom will help to lift passenger vehicle sales to a new peak of 221,000 units this year, up from 213,000 in 2005. Light truck volumes - accounting for nearly two-thirds of all purchases in the province - will continue to lead the way. Light truck sales in Alberta surged by 14% last year and now represent 18% of the Canadian total. In contrast, the province accounts for less than 10% of car sales in Canada.

We moved down to 16.3 million in North America in '05, and I'm expecting about 16 million for 2006, so that's probably one of the main reasons.

Going forward, [sales] volumes will be dampened by high gasoline prices and other energy costs, now absorbing a record share of disposable income.