More British Columbians benefited from jobs in April, as B.C.'s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 per cent from seven per cent in March, and gained 19,700 jobs - 16,700 of which are full time positions.

Since February 2011, B.C. has added 57,900 jobs to the economy, benefiting families all over the province.

Today's Labour Force Survey also revealed that compared to this time last year, B.C.'s unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points lower, resulting in the province having Canada's fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Canada.

Regionally, Vancouver Island and Coast gained 4,600 positions, the Lower Mainland-Southwest gained 15,000 positions and Cariboo gained 500 positions. While there were some losses in the rest of B.C., the overall provincial gains show tremendous progress for B.C. and are a positive sign that investments made and work done under 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' are working.

Strong gains were recorded in forestry, fishing, mining and gas extraction; manufacturing; trade; and transportation and warehousing. April's gains have more than made up for March's losses in these same industries.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"Under the BC Jobs Plan, we are committed to creating and protecting jobs for B.C. families and today's numbers clearly show me that our investments are working. Every job counts for families in B.C. and it's great to see that so many corners of our province are seeing positive results."

Learn More:

Visit the Province's one-stop working resource: http://www.workbc.ca

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan : http://www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104