Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for August 2021:

“The Labour Force Survey for August shows that B.C. is making great strides in our economic recovery with another 14,400 jobs gained throughout the province – 13,600 of these jobs are among women. All job gains are full-time.

“B.C. has one of the lowest unemployment rates and a job recovery rate of 101.1%, leading Canada as the only province with employment above pre-pandemic levels for the third straight month.

“In areas throughout the province, our job recovery rate has been strong, led by Prince George at 108.1%. Other notable job recovery rates are in the Cariboo at 105.7%, Thompson-Okanagan at 105.6%, Vancouver Island-Coast at 104.1%, the Kootenays at 102.8%, the Lower Mainland at 102.2%, North Coast-Nechako at 101.4% and Vancouver at 101.0%.

“These numbers show we are doing well, but we know there is more work to do. We continue to support the strength of our economic recovery with the BC Vaccine Card coming into effect Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.

“Since announcing the BC Vaccine Card, more than one million people have registered for their card. The BC Vaccine Card will help increase vaccinations and keep people safe, while boosting the confidence of people to continue supporting their local businesses.

“With more than 78.8% of eligible British Columbians now fully vaccinated, our province is doing great work to keep the economy on an upward swing. But more work needs to be done.

“To help build a stronger B.C., we are investing $95 million in skills training, employment services and supports for more than 9,000 British Columbians to provide people with the opportunity to build long-lasting careers. This investment in training will translate into businesses having access to the skilled workers they need to thrive and grow.

“We are also making affordable and accessible child care a reality for families, supporting major health-care projects, making record investments in new schools and expanding affordable housing throughout B.C.

“These are real actions to support British Columbians and help them thrive. This work will further support our goal to build an innovative, sustainable and inclusive economy for everyone.

“We all understand that a healthy economy and a healthy B.C. go hand in hand, so do your part and get vaccinated. Taking this important step is the best and easiest way to put COVID-19 in the past and set our province on a path for a strong economic recovery.”

Learn More:

Stronger BC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/