BC Stats’ latest figures confirm jobs and wages in B.C’s technology sector have broken a new record as B.C.’s technology industry continues to flourish.

BC Stats’ Profile of the British Columbia Technology Sector: 2016 Edition shows B.C.’s technology sector remains a top provincial performer; employing 101,700 people earning a weekly average salary of $1,590 – 75% higher than the average wage in B.C., and higher than the Canadian technology sector average of $1,480/week.

B.C. also led the country in terms of job growth. Employment in the tech sector rose 2.9%, surpassing B.C.’s overall employment growth of 2.5% and national tech sector employment growth of 1.1%. The sector now employs approximately 4.9% of B.C.’s workforce and is the third-largest tech workforce in Canada. B.C.’s technology sector employs more people than the mining, oil and gas, and forestry sectors combined.

The gross domestic product (GDP) of British Columbia’s tech sector expanded 2.4% in 2015, contributing $14.1 billion to B.C.’s overall economic output. Tech revenue climbed 5% to approximately $26.3 billion – the highest level ever recorded.

The new numbers, based on data ending December 2015, highlight the importance of B.C.’s technology industry to the overall economy. Technology is essential today to every business across all sectors, and the stronger the technology sector is, the more competitive business becomes.

Growth in the number of jobs, in wages, and in the number of technology companies is a clear indication of B.C.’s supportive business environment for skilled technology workers, innovators and leaders. This is an important part of the #BCTECH Strategy to grow B.C.’s tech sector, create jobs and attract significant venture capital.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of British Columbia’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen B.C.’s diverse knowledge-based economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and job creation throughout the province.

In partnership with the BC Innovation Council, the province is hosting B.C.’s second #BCTECH Summit, March 14-15, 2017, with made-in-B.C. tech innovations, thought-provoking keynotes and outstanding networking opportunities. To register or learn more, go to: http://bctechsummit.ca/

Quotes:

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“For the fifth year in a row, B.C. has seen significant growth in its diverse technology industry. We have more technology companies than ever, with more technology workers, earning higher wages than the Canadian technology sector average. Our #BCTECH Strategy is further creating the conditions that are helping the sector continue to grow and thrive.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training –

“In today's economy, virtually every business relies on technology to help increase efficiency, safety and competitiveness. British Columbia has exceptional talent and many innovative technologies originate in our province. British Columbians are clearly benefitting from a technology sector that is creating high-paying, skilled jobs.”

Dan Rink, COO, ITel, Kamloops –

“We’re excited to be part of a progressive industry that develops innovative technology every day. The success of the sector as a whole helps our business attract talent and investment. This has enabled us to create one of Canada’s most expansive networks of phone, Internet, and cloud services for businesses, while continually developing new technologies in our product portfolio to better serve our clients. B.C. is a fast-growing global technology hub and we are proud to show that tech companies can thrive outside of major metropolitan cities.”

Ryan Peterson, CEO, Finger Foods, Coquitlam –

“Finger Food is proud to be part of B.C.'s growing tech industry. The initiatives created by the #BCTECH Strategy have given us the freedom to invest in bleeding-edge technology that is radically evolving industry processes and bringing global corporations to B.C. We are very supportive of the actions B.C. is taking to support the growth and development of the technology sector. The success of the sector as a whole helps our business attract talent and attention here and around the world.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s tech sector employment eclipsed 100,000 for the first time in 2015, rising 2.9% to 101,780.
• Wages and salaries in the tech sector also hit a new high for the fifth consecutive year, climbing 4.5% to over $8.4 billion.
• B.C. has seen a 1.9% rise in the number of new technology companies with employees in 2015, growing to over 9,900 businesses. B.C. is home to 14% of Canada’s tech businesses.
• The tech sector produced approximately $26.3 billion in revenue in 2015, a rise of 5%.
• In 2015, the technology sector added $14.1 billion to B.C.’s GDP; contributing more than 11% of Canada’s tech total.
• B.C.’s tech commodity exports increased by 20.4% to just under $1.4 billion, representing 3.8% of the province’s overall exports.

Learn More:

Profile of the British Columbia Technology Sector: 2016 Edition: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/BusinessIndustry/HighTechnology.aspx

BC Stats: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/Home.aspx

#BCTECH Strategy: www.bctechstrategy.ca

#BCTECH Summit: http://bctechsummit.ca/

BC Jobs Plan Update: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/progress-reports/