Along with the majority of Canada, British Columbia experienced a decline in employment in July. Jobs declined by a net 11,700 jobs, with part-time employment dropping by 17,800, partially offset by a gain in full-time employment of 6,100.

The overall unemployment rate increased throughout the province by 0.4 percentage points over last month, from 6.3 per cent to 6.7 per cent. Monthly fluctuations in job numbers are to be expected. For example, in three of the past five years, British Columbia has experienced July job losses. Compared to this time last year, however, B.C. has gained 1,400 jobs.

Since July of last year, employment is up by 10,100 jobs in the Vancouver Island and Coast region; down by 1,400 jobs in the Lower Mainland/Southwest; up 3,300 jobs in the Kootenay region; and up 2,600 jobs in the North Coast and Nechako region. The unemployment rate in the North Coast and Nechako now is sitting at 6.0 per cent, down considerably from 11.9 per cent one year ago.

Over the last year, unemployment rates fell in a number of cities as well. Prince George fell to 4.5 per cent from 6.6 per cent, Kamloops fell to 4.5 per cent from 8.2 per cent, Nanaimo fell to 4.6 per cent from 7.5 per cent and Chilliwack fell to 6.6 per cent from 9.3 per cent.

Employment among youth (aged 15 to 24 years) decreased in July by 7,700 jobs compared to last month, and the youth unemployment rate increased to 12.2 per cent. Employment for men over the age of 25 was up by 2,700 jobs while women in that age group lost 6,700 jobs.

In July, strong gains were recorded in the goods-producing sector, which experienced an increase in employment in July of 2,200 jobs. This was mainly driven by a gain of 9,500 jobs in construction and an increase of 1,700 jobs in the agriculture industry.

The biggest losses were felt in the trade sector, which lost 15,300 jobs; the public administration sector, which lost 5,700 jobs; and education services, which lost 4,900 jobs.

Quick Facts:

• When the BC Jobs Plan was introduced:

• 2,270,300 people were employed in the province. As of today, 2,309,000 people are employed in the province. The difference is 38,700 more people working.

• 1,747,300 people were employed in full-time positions in the province. As of today, 1,830,900 people are employed in full-time positions. The difference is 83,600 more people in full-time positions.

• The unemployment rate in the province was 7.5 per cent. As of today, the unemployment rate is 6.7 per cent, below the national average of 7.2 per cent.

Media Contact:

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