Premier John Horgan and Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, have issued the following statement in response to Amazon’s announcement that it will create 3,000 new jobs in British Columbia by 2022, in addition to the 1,000 new jobs the company announced in November 2017:

“Today’s announcement by Amazon reflects the strength of British Columbia’s economy and the talent of our people.

“This investment will advance B.C.’s well-earned reputation as an innovation hub, and will promote growth in all sectors of our economy, in all regions.

“B.C. is a sound place to invest. Last week, Standard and Poor’s confirmed B.C.’s ‘AAA’ long-term credit rating. In March, British Columbia had the lowest unemployment rate among the provinces at 4.7%. B.C. leads Canada in year-over-year wage growth. And B.C.’s GDP growth is the highest among all provinces.

“We must make sure everyone benefits from the wealth our province creates. Our government will reduce inequality, provide fair conditions for workers, grow and diversify our economy, and open the doors of opportunity for people.”