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Job Creation in British Columbia Remains Strong

January 6, 2007

VICTORIA – British Columbia finished 2006 on a strong note, creating nearly 10,000 jobs in December for a total of over 65,000 new jobs in 2006, Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen announced today.

“British Columbia's booming economy has resulted in our province leading the country in employment growth over the past five years,” said Hansen. “Since December 2001, B.C.'s unemployment rate has fallen 4.8 percentage points and, for the twentieth straight month, is in single digits in every region of the province.”

Since December 2001, B.C.’s economy generated 324,400 new jobs and led the country in job growth. In addition, more than 90 per cent of jobs created in B.C. since December 2001 have been full-time positions.

In 2006, British Columbia’s unemployment rate dropped to the lowest levels in over 30 years. The province’s average unemployment rate was 4.8 per cent last year, compared to 5.9 per cent in 2005.

B.C.’s employment growth remained strong last year, continuing to rank above the national growth rate. Over the past year, strong employment gains were observed in several sectors of British Columbia’s economy, including construction, forestry, mining, oil and gas, management, trade, education and health care.
Top Bond Rating Agencies Affirm B.C.'s High Credit Rating
Standard & Poor’s has affirmed the Province of British Columbia’s credit rating at AAA, the highest possible, noting the Province’s strong fiscal management is keeping B.C. on track to balance the budget by 2014.
Signs B.C. Economy is on Road to Recovery
British Columbia has taken a series of actions that position us to lead the economic recovery in Canada by attracting new investment, new businesses and creating jobs.
B.C. Eliminates PST
The introduction of the Consumption Tax Rebate and Transition Act proposes to eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the Hotel Room Tax, streamlining the regulatory burden on business and supporting the transition to the HST.
BC Place Complex to Create Thousands of Jobs
A new 680,000 square foot entertainment complex attached to BC Place will create more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and ongoing operation, increase tourism and build a more vibrant downtown.
Major Projects Help Build B.C.'s Clean Energy Sector
A record number of major construction projects are proposed in British Columbia, and nine of the 10 top-valued projects focus on clean energy.
Tax Credits for Film and Interactive Digital Media
A proposed new tax credit for digital media, combined with changes to provincial film tax credits, recognizes the convergence of these sectors and supports the continued growth, development and competitiveness of B.C.’s video game and film sectors and the related employment they provide.
Olympic Success By The Numbers
Are you looking to quantify the success of the the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games? Here are British Columbia's Olympics - by the numbers.
B.C. and Small Business Step Up Battle Against Red Tape
The B.C. Government is making red tape reduction a fixed agenda item in its conversations with small businesses and has launched a new project to streamline and simplify government forms.
Rising Commodity Prices Boost B.C. Mineral Industry
Rising commodity prices signal that 2010 will be a strong year for B.C.’s mineral industry. Mineral exploration activity in B.C. reached $154 million in 2009 with 30 mine development projects submitted to government.
Income Tax Savings for Families, Businesses Start Jan 1
Individual British Columbians earning up to $118,000 will pay the lowest provincial personal income taxes in Canada as a result of new personal income tax measures that come into effect on Jan. 1, 2010.
Qualifications Recognition to Help B.C. Immigrants
A new pan-Canadian framework will allow for improved recognition of foreign qualifications of skilled immigrants. These changes will allow people with education, skills, knowledge, and experience to enter the labour market sooner - all the more beneficial in positions where there's currently a skills shortage.
B.C. plans to increase HST threshold on new housing rebate to $525,000
The Province is proposing to increase the threshold for the B.C. HST new housing rebate from $400,000 to $525,000 to ensure that, on average, purchasers of new homes up to $525,000 pay no more tax due to harmonization.
The Fast Facts on the
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
The B.C. HST is a value-added sales tax that combines the seven per cent provincial sales tax (PST) with the five per cent federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) resulting in a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 12 per cent. Here are the fast facts you need to know…
Province Supports Displaced Workers in Prince George
$1.1-million is being invested in a series of projects to support displaced workers in Prince George. These projects will support forestry families while improving recreation options and reducing the chances of interface fire.
Small Business Reports Confirm Strong Sector
Two reports have been released providing significant indicators of the economic health of small business in British Columbia.
Governments Partner to Create Jobs, Stimulate Economy
174 new infrastructure projects valued at over $719 million will help communities throughout B.C. meet their pressing infrastructure needs, help stimulate the economy, create jobs and support continued economic growth.
Province Invests $5.2-Million into Skills Training
The Province is investing $5.2 million in training programs to help nearly 1,000 unemployed British Columbians acquire the skills they need to transition back to the labour force or into further education.
Governments of Canada and B.C. Invest $14-Million in Jobs
A joint investment with the Federal government will see more than $14-million invested in groups and organizations throughout the province to create immediate jobs and help workers in all industries.
Province Confirms New BC Place Roof for 2011
A fixed-priced contract for the construction of a new, retractable roof on BC Place after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has been signed between the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) and PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Tuition Program Opens Doors to More Workers
More workers in the forest sector have access to training opportunities through the $17.25-million Community Development Trust (CDT) Tuition Assistance Program due to a change in the definition of forest worker.
Harmonized Sales Tax to Boost Investment, Job Creation
British Columbia intends to harmonize its provincial sales tax with the federal Goods and Services Tax effective July 1, 2010, to boost new business investment, improve productivity, enhance economic growth and create jobs.
Governments of Canada and B.C. Invest $60-Million in Jobs
A $60-million commitment will help the Job Opportunities Program create immediate employment and help workers in all industry sectors and communities impacted by the economic downturn.
Major Construction Shows Confidence
The number and value of major construction projects planned or underway across British Columbia increased during the first quarter of 2009.
Province Commits New Supports for Ranchers
The Province will develop a new fencing program to protect livestock along highway and rail corridors, and create a new Ranching Task Force to support the province’s ranching industry.
Premier Commits to New Support for Ranchers
A BC Liberal government will work with cattle ranchers across the province to develop a new fencing program that will protect livestock along the province’s highways and railway corridors and establish a new task force to support ranchers.
BC Liberals Commit to Partner with Whitecaps & Delta to Build National Soccer Centre
A re-elected BC Liberal government will team up with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Corporation of Delta to build a state-of-the-art National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC) in Delta, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
NDP Beer Tax Will Increase Consumer Costs and Threaten Jobs
The NDP’s new tax on beer, wine and spirits is yet another sign that the NDP is putting their high-tax policies and anti-private sector ideology before jobs and fairness for consumers, said Minister Rich Coleman today.
NDP Must Explain Plan to Kill Jobs in Elkford, Sparwood
Kootenay East BC Liberal candidate Bill Bennett is calling on NDP candidate Troy Sebastian to stand up for Elk Valley communities and against his leader Carole James for the NDP plan which will result in the layoff of up to 60,000 British Columbians in rural, resource dependent communities.
Premier Campbell Opens B.C. Visitor Centre @ Peace Arch
Premier Gordon Campbell joined tourism industry officials today to celebrate the opening of the new $4.6-million B.C. Visitor Centre @ Peace Arch.
BC Liberal Trade Strategy to Create Jobs, Attract Investment
Premier Gordon Campbell today laid out a comprehensive BC Liberal trade strategy founded on forging stronger national and global connections to build economic opportunity, attract investment and create B.C. jobs.
NDP’s Recklessness on IPPs Revealed
New information shows the NDP’s plan to ban renewable, independent power production is based purely on reckless ideology and not the facts, say Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom and Environment Minister Barry Penner.
NDP Try Out New IPP Deception
The NDP continue to mislead the public with their flip flop attitude on IPPs, which will cost thousands of jobs and threaten billions in investments, says Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom.
$800M for Housing, Education, Safety Creates 4,800 Jobs
Premier Gordon Campbell launched close to $800 million in public infrastructure projects for housing, education and public safety across B.C. today, including construction of six new housing developments in Vancouver, which will create 569 units for people facing homelessness.
Emerson to Chair Provincial Economic Advisory Council
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced that David Emerson will chair a new nine-person Economic Advisory Council that will provide expert advice and recommendations to government on maintaining and enhancing the province’s economic strengths.
Agreement Extends Full Labour Mobility Across Canada
Full labour mobility between provinces was confirmed by an agreement among Canada’s labour and trade ministers, breaking down economic barriers and allowing Canadians and their families to move freely throughout the country, Premier Gordon Campbell.
Western Provinces to Work on New Economic Partnership, Innovation, Pensions and Crime Reduction
Expanding trade, investment and job creation across the West, consideration of a new regional pension plan option and further co-operation on tackling gang violence highlighted the inaugural Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan joint cabinet meeting today.
Economic Plan Supports Families and Boosts Productivity
The B.C. Government will take immediate steps to improve the province’s economic competitiveness and reduce costs for families and business in the wake of the global economic slowdown, Premier Gordon Campbell announced to British Columbians this evening.
B.C. to Move Forward with Northwest Transmission Line
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced the Province will immediately start the environmental assessment process and First Nations consultation on the Northwest Transmission Line along Highway 37.
Premier Launches Initiatives to Boost Rural Economies
Premier Gordon Campbell announced a host of new initiatives to support rural communities at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention.
All-Time Highs Continue in Second Quarter of 2008
The quarterly release of the Major Projects Inventory shows the number of major construction projects in B.C. has increased for the twentieth straight quarter.
Public Accounts Show B.C.'s Economic Strength
A growing economy and prudent financial management have helped British Columbia post its fourth consecutive surplus.
B.C. Apprentices Increase for Fourth Straight Year
With almost 40,000 registered apprentices and youth participants in British Columbia as of March 31, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) has successfully exceeded its service plan targets for the fourth straight fiscal year.
Premier Congratulates Ports on Friendship Agreement
A friendship agreement signed between the Port of Ningbo, China, and the newly expanded Port of Prince Rupert builds on the promise of the Pacific Gateway, Premier Gordon Campbell said today at the opening of Prince Rupert’s new container terminal.
Legislation Introduced to Eliminate Mandatory Retirement
Legislation that sweeps mandatory retirement out of the way by offering choices to British Columbians who turn 65 has been introduced in the BC Legislature.
B.C. Eliminates Mandatory Retirement
As of Jan. 1, 2008, employees can choose when they want to retire. Changes to human rights legislation protect all people 19 years and over from discrimination on the basis of age. This means people cannot be forced to retire.
Premier Announces $2.8 Million For Mining Training
The Province and the federal government will invest a total of $2.8 million to help youth from rural and First Nations communities in northwestern B.C. get the hands-on experience they need to develop exciting careers in the mining industry.
Job Creation in British Columbia Remains Strong
British Columbia finished 2006 on a strong note, creating nearly 10,000 jobs in December for a total of over 65,000 new jobs in 2006.
Premier Campbell Unveils B.C.-Canada Pavilion For Beijing Games
Premier Gordon Campbell has unveiled plans for the B.C.-Canada Pavilion, which will be British Columbia and Canada’s showcase to the world at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
Premier Launches China Tourism Marketing Campaign
Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled Tourism British Columbia’s China Tourism Marketing Campaign at the China International Travel Mart trade show in Shanghai.
New Measures to Train, Attract and Retain Workers
The BC Liberal government will launch aggressive new strategies to train, attract and retain skilled workers and provide young British Columbians with the education and support they need to work and succeed in the Pacific Century.
Surplus Improves, But Challenges Remain
A stronger economic outlook for 2006 is bolstering British Columbia’s surplus, but emerging economic and natural resource risks pose challenges.
B.C. Major Project List Surpasses $100 Billion Mark
British Columbia’s hot economy continues to fuel record levels of construction.
Alcan Announces $2-Billion Investment Plan For B.C.
Alcan has announced that it plans to invest $2 billion to upgrade its Kitimat smelter with modern and more efficient technology.
$12.7-Million Upgrade at Boundary Bay Airport
The BC Liberal government, the Corporation of Delta and Alpha Aviation Inc. have committed more than $12.7 million to improve Boundary Bay Airport.
B.C. & Beijing Sign Investment Co-Operation Agreement
A Memorandum of Co-operation in Investment signed today between the B.C. government and the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau will help expand business opportunities, cultural understanding and maximize Olympic opportunities on both sides of the Pacific
Alberta and B.C. Break Down Barriers to Create Single Large Market
Alberta and British Columbia have signed a groundbreaking agreement to eliminate barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility between the two provinces. The agreement creates the second largest economic region in Canada.
13,000 New Jobs Created, Unemployment Hits 30-Year Low
British Columbia created 13,000 new jobs in March, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.4 per cent, the lowest rate in 30 years.
B.C. Film and Television Production Soars in 2005
Film and television production in British Columbia increased more than 50 per cent over 2004, contributing $1.2 billion to the provincial economy in 2005.
Homeowner Grant Threshold to Increase
Proposed improvements will safeguard the value of homeowner grants in response to substantial increases in property values.
B.C. Posts Greatest Job Growth in Canada for 2005
According to Statistics Canada, B.C.’s overall job growth was more than double the national average of 1.4% in 2005 and well above the 1.8% job growth seen in Alberta.
B.C. Unemployment Rate Hits 30-Year Low
British Columbia created 14,400 new jobs in October, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.1 per cent, the lowest monthly rate in 30 years.
B.C. Budget Update - Improving Support for Seniors, Moving B.C. Forward
Improved support for senior citizens is at the heart of new budget measures that also include a significant fund for First Nations and tax reductions to help keep B.C.'s economy strong.
B.C. Economic Growth Forecasts Strengthen
The independent Economic Forecast Council has improved its economic growth outlook for British Columbia from 3.3% to 3.6%.
B.C. Development Projects Continue to Break Records
The number of major projects proposed or underway in British Columbia hit a record high in the second quarter of 2005.
B.C. Job Growth Rate Leads the Country, Unemployment Rate Nears Historic Lows
British Columbia created 17,700 new jobs in May while the unemployment rate fell to 5.7 per cent, the second-lowest monthly rate on record.
BC is Canada's Number One Job Creation Engine
British Columbia posted the largest gain in jobs in Canada in April, creating 13,300 new jobs and lowering B.C.’s unemployment rate to 6.1%, said Finance Minister Colin Hansen, BC Liberal candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena.
Building Permits Soar - More Good News for BC's Economy
According to Statistics Canada, the total number of building permits between January and March is up by 30 per cent over the same period in 2004 – nearly double the national average.
It's Official, We're Number One! - B.C. is number one of all Provinces in Economic Growth
For the first time in nearly two decades, B.C. is now Number One of all provinces in Canada again in economic growth, confirming that the BC Liberal plan to create new opportunity for British Columbians is working, said Premier Gordon Campbell.
New $50-million Coast Development Initiative Announced
A new $50-million North Island – Coast Development Initiative will give communities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast the funding, control and ability to create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and more jobs.
Canadians are Moving Back to British Columbia
For the second year in a row more people are choosing to make British Columbia their home because of the opportunities this province offers.
Budget 2005: Prosperity for British Columbia
Watch clips of Premier Gordon Campbell's address to the Vancouver Board of Trade outlining Budget 2005.
Regional Tourism Strategy Unveiled
Speaking to the 12th annual B.C. Tourism Industry Conference in Vancouver, Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled the third component of the Province’s tourism marketing strategy: $14 million in proposed funding for regional tourism promotion.
Unemployment at Lowest Rate Since June 1981
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.
BC Economy Continues to Surge at the Close of 2004
The BC Economy is continuing to surge as we approach the close of 2004, helping to build a better tomorrow for British Columbians.
Economy to Continue Strong Growth in 2005
The independent Economic Forecast Council expects British Columbia will continue to enjoy strong economic growth in 2005, estimated at 3.3%.
B.C. Unemployment Hits 20-Year Low
The overall unemployment rate at 6.4 per cent is at its lowest rate since Aug. 1981. Youth unemployment stood at 11.4 per cent in November – the lowest since August 1990.
BC Economy Continues to Grow
The BC economy is continuing to grow allowing the BC Liberal government to continue investing in the priorities of British Columbians.
B.C.'s Economy Outpacing National Average
B.C.'s economy outpaced the national average for the first time in seven years in 2003. B.C.'s economic growth of 2.5% in 2003 was ahead of the national average of 2.0% growth over the same period.
Unemployment Rate Drops in Every Corner of British Columbia
British Columbia added 12,000 new jobs in October and the unemployment rate has declined throughout the province.British Columbia added 12,000 new jobs in October and the unemployment rate has declined throughout the province.
The PST rolls back, B.C. moves forward
With the economy turning the corner and the budget balanced, Finance Minister Gary Collins today announced a reduction in the provincial sales tax rate to 7% from 7.5%.
Full-time Job Growth Explodes in September, Unemployment Rate Drops 0.6 percent
According to Statistics Canada's September Labour Force Survey, employment in British Columbia increased by 13,000 jobs in September, including over 25,000 full-time positions.
$135 Million Northern Development Initiative to Promote Economic Growth and Job Creation
Legislation introduced in Victoria to establish the $135-million Northern Development Initiative Trust will give northern communities the funding, control and ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for stimulating sustainable economic growth.
New Tourism Strategy to Enhance Marketing, Resort Development and Community Involvement
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced a sweeping new tourism strategy to enhance marketing, resort development and community involvement in maximizing tourism assets, including doubling marketing funding for Tourism BC.
Booming Economy and Budget Windfall a Credit to Premier Campbell's Management and Vision
B.C.’s economic growth continues to be robust this year, reflecting solid employment gains, near record lumber prices, higher energy and mineral prices, sustained housing market activity and stronger retail sales.
Know the Facts: B.C.'s Economy is Turning the Corner
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.
BC Economic Strategy Working
BC Economic Strategy Working - KPMG Report



Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.
Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257