Despite a volatile global market, the B.C. economy continued to create jobs, gaining 5,700 net new jobs in September. Since the release of 'Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan', B.C. has added 57,400 net new jobs, putting it first in the country for job creation.

As well, continued gains were made in full time positions with 1,828,900 full-time jobs in B.C. in September, an increase of 11,900 positions from August. Part-time employment was reported at 499,400 positions, down by 6,200 jobs from August.

Since August 2011, B.C. ranks first compared to other provinces, ahead of Ontario (gained 55,400 jobs), Alberta (gained 45,400 jobs) and Quebec (gained 35,100 jobs).

Since February 2011, B.C. has added 67,400 jobs. (In February 2011, there were 2,260,900 jobs.) B.C. has gained 87,000 full-time positions, offset by a loss of 19,600 part-time positions. (In February 2011, there were 1,741,900 full-time jobs).

B.C.'s labour force increased by 15,100 people in September and now stands at 2,503,400. Compared with one year ago, B.C.'s labour force has increased by 37,700 people.

B.C.'s unemployment rate of 7.0 per cent is up from August's rate of 6.7 per cent and is 0.2 percentage points higher than September 2011's rate of 6.8 per cent. B.C. has Canada's fourth-lowest unemployment rate. Alberta (4.4 per cent), Saskatchewan (4.7 per cent) and Manitoba (5.0 per cent) have lower unemployment rates.

The unemployment rate for youth (15 to 24 years of age) was recorded at 14.0 per cent, up by 2.3 percentage points from August. In September 2011, the youth unemployment rate was recorded at 14.2 per cent.

Quote:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training -

"Amidst a volatile global market the addition of 5,700 new jobs show our jobs plan is working and more British Columbians are finding work. Our province ranks first among provinces for job growth in the nation and means more B.C. families have paycheques they can count on."

Quick Facts:

• When the Jobs Plan was released, 2,270,900 people were employed in the province. As of today, 2,328,200 people were employed in the province. The difference is 57,400 more people working.

• When the Jobs Plan was released, 1,746,700 people were employed in full time positions in the province. As of today, 1,828,900 people are employed in full-time positions. The difference is 82,200 more people in full-time positions.

• When the Jobs Plan was released the unemployment rate in the province was 7.4 per cent. As of today, the unemployment rate is 7.0 per cent, below the national average of 7.4 per cent.

• Since February of 2011, B.C. has added 67,400 jobs.

• The provincial economy measured by real GDP grew by 2.9 per cent in 2011, according to the 2011-12 Public Accounts, third in Canada.

• The estimated investment for all major projects currently under construction - projects ranging from shipbuilding to natural gas, mining to manufacturing and transportation to commercial/residential development - is approximately $80 billion, an increase of $11.7 billion since June 2011.

• $48 billion is projected to be invested in liquid natural gas (LNG) alone between 2013 and 2022.

• Two mines have begun production, one is under construction and three more have received permits with construction expected to start this year. Five mine expansions have been permitted.

• Venture capital investment grew by 71 per cent compared to the same period in 2011, the largest gain in the country.

Learn More:

Visit B.C'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 Skills Training
250 356-0613