Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for August 2019:

“For two years, our government has harnessed a strong and stable economy by investing in British Columbians and practising smart fiscal management, despite volatility in global markets.

“B.C.’s labour market has performed well over the past year, creating 73,800 jobs. The majority of those jobs were in the private sector and 30,000 of those created were full-time jobs. Additionally, wages have increased since last year to an average of $27.54 an hour, up nearly a dollar.

“British Columbia’s labour market is showing its resilience with an unemployment rate at 5.0% in August, the second lowest in Canada, after having the lowest unemployment rate for two years straight.

“Some sectors in B.C. are not feeling the benefits of the strong labour market and growing economy. We remain dedicated to assisting workers in these industries and supporting these communities. We are committed to standing up for vulnerable workers in our pursuit to make life better for all British Columbians.”