Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- B.C.’s unemployment rate is unchanged at 6.1%, the fourth lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.7%
- B.C.’s year-over-year private-sector job growth is second highest in Canada
- February saw B.C. gain 7,200 jobs in accommodation and food services, 2,000 jobs in agriculture, and 5,300 jobs in professional, scientific and technical services
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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 February 2026:
“Economic instability caused by U.S. President Donald Trump continues to impact economies around the world. Here in British Columbia, we continue to do everything possible to strengthen, diversify and grow our economy.
“While jurisdictions across North America saw job losses last month, today’s Labour Force Survey numbers for February show B.C.’s unemployment rate unchanged at 6.1%, the fourth lowest in Canada.
“The survey also showed an increase of 7,200 jobs in accommodation and food services, which is a good sign for small businesses, in addition to 5,300 new jobs in professional, scientific and technical services, as well as 2,000 jobs in agriculture.
"While overall numbers show a loss of 20,200 jobs this month in BC, significant job losses were felt across Canada and the U.S. in February.
“Since this time last year B.C. has gained 6,500 private-sector jobs, second highest growth in Canada, and 10,400 jobs in construction.
“B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $38.92, the second- highest among provinces, up 2.7% compared to this time last year.
“We are also seeing job vacancies on the rise, meaning businesses are expanding and feeling confident to hire more people, and we are meeting that need with more support for skills training.
“We know it’s never been more important to unlock economic opportunities for B.C. That’s why we are taking action to create good jobs for British Columbians, with two new bills passed through the legislature.
“First, we passed the Trade Recognition Act, which will break down interprovincial trade barriers to help strengthen B.C.’s economy and support businesses to grow and compete across Canada.
“We also are creating a new $400-million Strategic Investment Fund that will ensure that if B.C.’s support is needed for a project’s success, British Columbians see a greater financial benefit. This fund will better position B.C. to co-invest in provincial priority projects and secure federal funds, like those being considered under Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy.
“To help the manufacturing sector, we have introduced a new 15% tax credit so they can innovate and scale up right here in B.C.
“We are also providing $139 million over three years to reduce repeat, violent offending and chronic property crime, and support timely access to justice.
“We’ll continue to take action on all fronts – enforcement, housing, health and justice – to stop the cycle of crime and get people the help they need to make B.C. communities stronger and safer for everyone.
“These changes will allow for greater economic outcomes, which will drive our economy forward and create good jobs people can rely on.
“This work is part of our Look West strategy. We’re increasing our exports to non-U.S. markets, like Asia and Europe, and doubling the amount of goods that move through our ports, creating more good jobs and growing our economy.
“We are leveraging B.C.’s strengths and our work to be the economic engine of Canada, build nation-building major projects, create good jobs and skills training opportunities for people, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future.”
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
