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 March 2021:

“The Labour Force Survey for March shows B.C. added 35,000 jobs last month. This marks 11 consecutive months of job gains, and we have now surpassed 100% of pre-pandemic employment levels.

“British Columbia has the highest job-recovery rate in Canada.

“While this report is another sign our approach to an innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery is working, some sectors are still struggling, and we are not out of the woods yet.

“With recent temporary public health orders necessary to address rising COVID-19 case counts, we expect those impacts will be reflected in next month’s jobs report.

“We fully recognize many sectors like the hospitality and fitness industry are hurting. That’s why our government acted quickly to implement the new Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant for those operations that were suddenly impacted by the new orders.”

“Additionally, businesses in the tourism sector will continue to struggle until it is safe for visitors to return. We know that women, Indigenous people and people of colour continue to experience higher rates of unemployment.

“Our government is providing more supports per capita for people and businesses than any other province. In addition to shopping local and supporting BuyBC, I ask all British Columbians to follow Dr. Henry’s orders.

“A healthy B.C. and a healthy economy go hand in hand, and the best way we can support our businesses, people and communities is to bend this curve.”

Learn More:

StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/