Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary:
- Labour Force Survey shows that B.C. gained 13,000 jobs in construction since this time last year
- B.C.’s unemployment rate is 6.1%, the third lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.5%
- B.C.’s hourly wage of $38.32, was the second highest among provinces, an increase of 2.1% compared to this time last year
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Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has released the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for January 2026:
“People around the world and across Canada are feeling the effects of a slowing global economy driven by unjustified trade wars and tariffs reducing market access, and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, B.C. is seeing continued strength in labour-market performance in areas such as health care and social assistance, construction and wholesale trade.
“Today's Labour Force Survey numbers for January show an increase of 13,000 jobs in construction since this time last year, with a growth of 400 jobs this past month. This reflects the steady pace of construction activity supporting essential infrastructure throughout the province.
“Despite a slight 0.1% dip in private-sector jobs in January, compared to this time last year, B.C. has gained 12,800 private-sector jobs, for the third-highest growth in Canada.
“Overall, B.C.’s total employment increased by 3,500 in January, including an increase of 6,200 in health care, which reflects B.C.’s ongoing efforts to attract more qualified health‑care professionals to the province.
“Our unemployment rate is 6.1%, the third lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.5%. B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $38.32, the second highest among provinces, and an increase of 2.1% compared to this time last year.
“B.C. also continues to see steady growth in women’s employment, with 7,800 added jobs last month, the second highest in the country.
“We know we need to do more. One of the key priorities of our Look West economic strategy is to secure $200 billion in major-project investment by meeting and beating permitting timelines over the next decade. This means thousands of good family-supporting jobs and opportunities for people in British Columbia.
“And we’re already making progress. Just this past month, we approved the Mt. Milligan Mine expansion, which is bringing $400 million in investment. It was approved in only 10 months. We piloted a concurrent permitting process with Highland Valley Copper, which is now under construction. This is a multibillion-dollar project with thousands of jobs associated with it.
“As we move forward, our priority is supporting the people who keep our province strong. We will continue investing in the skills, services and programs that help British Columbians build secure, rewarding futures.
“And with global events, such as FIFA World Cup 26 and Web Summit Vancouver coming to our province this year, we can expect even more economic activity ahead, supporting jobs, tourism and opportunities for people throughout B.C. for the years to come.”
Learn More:
- To learn more about B.C.’s response to tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs
- To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
