British Columbia showed strong and stable growth with a gain of 8,900 jobs last month and a drop in the overall unemployment rate to 6.3 per cent.

The province gained 21,600 full-time jobs. This was offset by the loss of 12,700 part-time jobs.

The overall unemployment rate fell throughout the province by 0.5 percentage points over last month. Over the last year, unemployment rates fell in a number of cities as well - Prince George fell to 3.8 per cent, Kamloops fell to 4.5 per cent, Nanaimo fell to 3.7 per cent and Chilliwack fell to 6.3 per cent.

Compared to this time last year, employment is up by 7,300 in the Vancouver Island and Coast region; up by 1,300 in the Lower Mainland/Southwest; Kootenay is up by 5,300; and the North Coast and Nechako saw an increase of 1,500. The unemployment rate in the North Coast and Nechako now is sitting at 6.7 per cent, down considerably from 12.2 per cent one year ago.

Employment among youth increased in June by 6,600 jobs compared to last month, and the youth unemployment rate fell to 11.2 per cent. Women (over 24 years old) also fared well by adding 3,100 positions, while men (over 24 years old) lost 900 positions.

In June, strong gains were recorded in the trade sector, which gained 12,200 jobs; agriculture added 5,300 jobs; and health care and social assistance gained 6,600 jobs. The biggest losses were felt in the information, culture and recreation sector, which lost 15,800 jobs, and in the public administration sector, which lost 7,900 jobs.

Quick Facts:

• When the BC Jobs Plan was introduced, 2,270,300 people were employed in the province. As of today, 2,320,700 people are employed in the province. The difference is 50,400 more people working.

• When the BC Jobs Plan was introduced, 1,747,300 people were employed in full-time positions in the province. As of today, 1,824,800 people are employed in full-time positions. The difference is 77,500 more people in full-time positions.

• When the BC Jobs Plan was launched, the unemployment rate in the province was 7.5 per cent. As of today, the unemployment rate is 6.3 per cent, below the national average of 7.1 per cent.

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 387-2799