Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- Statistics Canada reports 7,800 new jobs in B.C. in June 2026, with two-thirds of that growth in full-time employment
- Unemployment rate drops to 6.5%, fourth-lowest among provinces
- B.C. sees the largest increase in youth employment in Canada
- B.C. continues to build long-term economic strength through major investments through the Look West strategy and global events, such as FIFA World Cup 2026
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Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has released the following statement about the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for June 2026:
“Despite continued global uncertainty, including ongoing U.S. tariffs and instability in the Middle East, British Columbia continues to show resilience by creating jobs, attracting investment and welcoming the world during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“In June, Premier David Eby secured a landmark agreement with the federal government that will help unlock billions in investments for major projects, skills training, clean-energy infrastructure and economic development throughout British Columbia – representing opportunities worth an estimated $20 billion for people, businesses and communities throughout the province.
“Those investments will help create jobs, strengthen communities and support long-term economic growth throughout the province.
“Today’s Labour Force Survey reflects B.C.’s resilience, with B.C. adding 7,800 jobs in June 2026. Two-thirds of that growth is in full-time employment, and the largest increase in youth employment in Canada.
“In the past two months, B.C. has created 33,000 new jobs.
“B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $38.63, the highest among provinces.
“We're encouraged by the federal investment supporting Teck’s Trail operations, an important step in strengthening Canada's critical minerals sector. This investment supports good-paying jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth, while helping secure the future of one of the world's leading metallurgical facilities and the West Kootenay community.
“We also welcome the federal government’s $12-billion investment in Canada's future submarine fleet, which will help strengthen B.C.'s growing maritime and defence supply chains, support domestic manufacturing and create high-paying jobs for workers throughout the province.
“This past month, millions of viewers and visitors focused their attention on British Columbia during the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing significant activity for restaurants, hotels, retailers, transportation providers and tourism operators in the province.
“While today’s survey captures only part of the tournament period, we expect the economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be felt into the future.
“Many restaurants, bars and retailers recorded huge increases in sales and customers during the matches. Some are reporting sales increases as high as 40%.
“To help businesses build on that momentum, our government is extending temporary FIFA World Cup 2026 patio approvals through the summer, giving hospitality operators more opportunities to attract customers, support jobs and benefit from the busy tourism season.
“TransLink recorded its highest system-wide ridership numbers. YVR saw an astounding amount of traffic with an average of more than 85,000 passengers flying through the airport daily.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 also created opportunities that go well beyond tourism. Through BC Business House, we showcased key British Columbia industries to international investors, business leaders and government representatives from around the world, helping build new trade, investment and partnership opportunities for B.C. businesses.
“More than 1,000 people took part in BC Business House events, including delegates from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Australia, demonstrating strong global interest in British Columbia as a place to invest, partner and grow.
“Whether in tourism, clean energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, defence industries or major infrastructure, British Columbia is executing its Look West strategy to diversify markets, attract investment and create good-paying jobs for people throughout the province.
“The opportunities created this month – from the FIFA World Cup 2026 and new trade connections, to major investments in infrastructure, critical minerals and defence supply chains – are helping drive prosperity for people in British Columbia for decades 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
