Carole James, Minister of Finance, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for April 2020:

“The April labour force numbers provide a clearer picture of the severe impacts of COVID-19 on the economy in B.C. and across Canada.

“Every sector of the B.C economy has been hit and many B.C. families are reeling.

"That is why we launched our COVID-19 Action Plan to support people and businesses through this pandemic, and why we're working hard to get that support to those who need it. In its first week, more than 400,000 British Columbians have been approved to receive the $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers.

“This week, Premier John Horgan announced our government’s plan for a gradual, cautious lifting of restrictions, under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, and with participation by various business sectors.

“Thanks to Dr. Henry and her team, along with the people of B.C. for embracing her guidelines, our province has been lauded for our work on COVID-19.

“The personal and economic pain that COVID-19 has caused around the world is unprecedented in our lifetime, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Recognizing our province’s strong economic fundamentals, we are working to build a robust rebound for B.C. and with everyone’s continued co-operation and confidence, we will get there.”

Learn More:

For information on services and benefits available to help people and businesses through the pandemic, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVIDgovernmentbenefits

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter

For the provincial health officer’s orders, notices and guidance, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/phoguidance

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid-19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.