An economic think tank is predicting this year will see British Columbia lose its bragging rights as the province with the fastest growing economy. The Conference Board of Canada says Alberta will take over top spot in 2017 with growth of 2.8 per cent, thanks to rebounding oil prices. In a report released today, the board forecasts real G-D-P in B-C will grow by a respectable 1.9 per cent — although that’s a significant drop from average growth above three per cent for the last three years. It says the province is taking a hit from the housing market slowdown but is still poised to see employment growth of 1.2 per cent this year.