B.C. accounted for half of all the new jobs created in Canada in December and the monthly unemployment rate fell to its lowest point since June 1981.
With another 17,300 new jobs and the unemployment rate dropping to 6.1 per cent, December marked the end of another year of strong employment growth in B.C.
B.C. accounted for half of all the new jobs created in Canada in December and the monthly unemployment rate fell to its lowest point since June 1981.
“This is precisely why Premier Campbell made revitalizing our economy such an important priority – so British Columbians can benefit from more and better jobs,” said Hansen. “More people working and finding jobs means greater support for families and communities and, moreover, it gives our youth further confidence that they have bright prospects here in British Columbia.” - Finance Minister Colin Hansen
Since December 2003, full-time employment in B.C. rose by 59,200, offset by a 20,300 decline in part-time positions, for a net gain of 38,800 jobs. The performance over the past 12 months continues the trend since 2001.
“Since December 2001, B.C.’s economy has generated 197,700 new jobs, the best job creation record in Canada,” said Hansen. “Over 97 per cent of the new jobs are full-time and the unemployment rate has dropped below 9 per cent in every region of the province.”
Since December 2001, youth employment increased by 36,800, all full-time positions, and the youth unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 1990.
The employment gains are spread across sectors, reflecting B.C.’s broad-based economic performance and robust domestic economy, fuelled by in-migration, business confidence, consumer spending, housing starts, and increased business investment and construction.
