B.C. Leads Canada in Job Creation and Wage Rates

July 06, 2004

B.C. leads the country in job creation and a larger proportion of British Columbians are making $16 or more per hour than in any other province.

Labour Minister Graham Bruce pointed out that nearly one million employees in this province earn $16 or more per hour – the amount Statistics Canada says will support a family of four in an urban centre. This represents 57.2% of B.C. employees, compared to the Canadian average of 50.8%. In Alberta, just under 50% of employees receive $16 or more per hour worked.

Bruce also noted that since Dec. 2001, employment in B. C. has increased by 7.3% – the largest percentage increase in the country.

“The numbers speak for themselves. We have the best performing economy in Canada when it comes to creating good jobs. We also have stability in labour relations and that bodes well for the economy. In the public sector since January, 2002, a total of 51 voluntary agreements have been reached. All were at no general compensation increase and some at wage reductions, a significant milestone that demonstrates negotiation, not confrontation, can yield mutually agreeable results,” said Bruce.

In May, more than two million British Columbians were working, including 1.6 million employees, and 400,000 self-employed. Total employment in British Columbia has remained above the two million mark for the past sixteen months.

Overall Employment Growth

Dec. 2001 to May 2004

  • B.C. 7.4%
  • Alberta 7.1%
  • Saskatchewan 5.5%
  • Manitoba 2.1%
  • Ontario 6.0%
  • Quebec 6.2%
  • New Brunswick 4.7%
  • Nova Scotia 5.4%
  • PEI 4.1%
  • NFLD 3.3%
  • Canada 6.1%
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B.C. Leads Canada in Job Growth
B.C. Leads Canada in Job Creation and Wage Rates
B.C. leads the country in job creation and a larger proportion of British Columbians are making $16 or more per hour than in any other province.
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