VICTORIA - British Columbia will balance its books by 2013-14, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon announced Monday.

"We will have a balanced budget in 2013-14, as our prudent and conservative fiscal management will protect us from the debt-fuelled economic problems besetting other parts of the world," Falcon said in a statement.

"We are focused on controlling our spending and protecting our revenues to ensure we can continue to deliver the priority programs taxpayers want."

Falcon had cast earlier doubt on whether the province would balance by 2013-14, the time when it is legislated to do so.

His declaration came Monday after the province's economic forecast council projected modest growth for this year and next.

The council said it expects B.C.'s economy to post 2.2 per cent growth in 2012, the same rate it predicted two months ago at its annual meeting.

The council slightly reduced its 2013 forecast to 2.5 per cent, down from 2.6 per cent. The forecast average for the 2014-16 period remains the same at 2.7 per cent.

Falcon added the province will continue to monitor the economy, and will act accordingly.

"We have seen some stabilization in the U.S. economy, especially regarding employment and fourth-quarter real GDP, but we still need to be prudent to protect ourselves from an uncertain global economy, including the European debt crisis."

B.C. will table the 2012-13 budget later this month.

jfowlie@vancouversun.com