Despite the slight decline in employment, mainly in part-time positions, British Columbia's economy remains stable. The province continues to attract investment in spite of continued volatility in global markets. We are bringing new dollars into the province through increased investment and more exports to trading partners in Asia and beyond - in turn, we're creating an environment where more long-term jobs will be created for hard-working British Columbians.

In November strong gains were recorded in professional, scientific and technical services (+11,900 jobs), forestry, fishing, mining and gas extraction (+8,900 jobs), information, culture and recreation (+1,900 jobs) and education services (+1,400 jobs). This growth mirrors the investment international companies are making in B.C.'s natural resources - mines, natural gas reserves, bioenergy facilities - as well as in British Columbians - our software engineers, our heavy duty mechanics, our biotech researchers.

With 29,400 job gains since November 2011, B.C. ranks fourth compared to other provinces. Regionally, Vancouver Island gained 2,000 positions, the Kootenays gained 1,700 positions and the Northeast gained 400 positions.

B.C.'s average hourly wage rate in November was up by 1.5 per cent compared with November 2011. For B.C. youth under 25, employment increased by 1,700 positions and the average hourly wage in November was up by 6.1 per cent compared with November 2011. This is the second-highest year-over-year increase in the country (just below Newfoundland and Labrador at 8.9 per cent).

B.C. has Canada's fourth-lowest unemployment rate at 6.8 per cent. Alberta (4.2 per cent), Saskatchewan (4.5 per cent) and Manitoba (5.3 per cent) have lower unemployment rates.

The B.C. government is investing in roads, rail and ports to move lumber, copper, and natural gas to Asia quicker than our competitors - allowing the province to remain competitive as the global economy changes.

And most importantly, through the Skills and Training Plan, government is making significant investments to ensure that British Columbians are first in line for the opportunities that come from economic success.

Since the release of 'Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan', B.C. has added 41,800 net new jobs, demonstrating that govenment's fiscal approach is protecting the province from the turbulence felt by so many others around the world and makes it a preferred location for companies looking to invest.

Quote:

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

"Any time our province sees a decline in employment we want to ensure we are looking at what we can do to improve things. There is no doubt we are living in challenging economic times, but because we have a plan B.C. is weathering the storm and continues to be a safe harbour for investors and businesses."

Quick Facts:

• 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