Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economy Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for November 2020:

“From the outset of this pandemic, our government understood that the key to building a foundation of a strong recovery is a strong public health response focused on keeping people safe.

“The Labour Force Survey for November showed B.C.’s economy continuing its upward swing, with another 23,900 jobs gained throughout the province.

“Since the pandemic’s most severe impact on the economy in April, B.C. has had substantial job growth for seven consecutive months, bringing our total employment to 98.5% of pre-pandemic levels. This is the highest job recovery rate of any of Canada’s four largest provinces.

“Additionally, B.C.’s unemployment rate has fallen to 7.1%, well below the national average of 8.5%.

“However, we know there are businesses still struggling and it’s going to be many months before vaccines can get to everyone in British Columbia. Until then, we are focused on building a foundation of recovery that works for everyone in this province.

“B.C.’s recovery plan includes funding and measures to strengthen health care, create good jobs and opportunities for people, and help businesses come back stronger.

“Thousands of B.C. businesses will receive direct supports from the various measures outlined in our economic recovery plan.

“These supports provide direct funding to hard-hit communities and businesses, making it easier for them to invest in the people and capital they need.”

Learn More:

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

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.