Summary

• Statistics Canada reports 17,800 new jobs in British Columbia in July 2026, the second largest increase in the country; and highest growth nationally in full-time employment, up 32,500 jobs
• B.C. led the country in manufacturing-employment growth, adding 3,100 jobs in July
• B.C. has seen consistent growth in youth employment over the past four months with a total increase of 27,200 jobs
• Through B.C.’s Look West strategy, major projects workforce training and Indigenous partnerships are creating opportunities across B.C.

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Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has issued the following statement about the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for July 2026:

“At a time when the United States continues to impose tariffs and the global economy faces uncertainty, British Columbia is focused on creating opportunities here at home and expanding trade with new markets.

“Today’s Labour Force Survey underscores the strength and growth of B.C.’s economy, with 17,800 new jobs in July 2026. As more people found work, B.C.’s unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month to 6.2%, the fourth-lowest among provinces. At the same time, the province led the country in full-time employment growth, adding 32,500 full-time jobs.

“Growth was also seen across key sectors of the economy, with B.C. leading the country in manufacturing employment growth, adding 3,100 jobs in July and a total of 10,400 jobs so far this year.

“Over the past three months, B.C. has created nearly 51,000 jobs. So far in 2026, we’ve seen strong employment growth in health care and the social assistance sector, as well as construction and educational services. These gains reflect continued investment in the health-care system, skills training and the infrastructure needed to support major projects and growing communities throughout the province.

“B.C.’s agriculture sector is also seeing strong growth, with employment up 43.5% since the same time last year. Growth in agriculture helps strengthen local supply chains and build a more resilient economy in the face of global uncertainty.

“Women are also benefiting from growing opportunities in B.C. In July, women's full-time employment increased by 16,200 jobs, the second-highest gain in Canada. Compared to a year ago, women's full-time employment is up 47,900 jobs, again ranking second among provinces, reflecting continued demand for workers across a range of industries.

“B.C. continues to be a leader in hourly wages across the nation with an average of $38.71, the second highest among all the provinces. This province has the highest wage growth of any province, with wages increasing by 46.5% since 2017. 

“Throughout British Columbia, major projects are moving from planning to construction.

“In Delta, the $2-billion Phase B expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility will create 1,100 jobs annually during the four years of construction, while growing a made-in-B.C. industry that supplies lower-emission marine fuel.

“In Prince George, Enbridge's Sunrise Expansion Program is expected to create 2,500 jobs and generate significant economic benefits for communities across northern B.C.

“Last month, LNG Canada reached an agreement with five First Nations that would provide an option to invest up to $1 billion in the proposed second phase of the project. It's a significant example of how Indigenous communities can participate in, help shape and share in the long-term benefits of major economic development. When First Nations are true partners in projects, we can create jobs, strengthen communities and grow British Columbia's economy together.

“Together with $88 billion in proposed major projects advancing through the province, these investments are creating opportunities for workers, businesses, communities and Indigenous partners.

“Young people continue to play an important role in B.C.'s workforce, with youth employment gaining 3,800 new jobs in July, the second largest increase in Canada. As new projects move forward throughout the province, we are working to ensure young people in British Columbia can access the training, education and skills they need to connect to the opportunities being created. Recent investments in skilled-trades training have expanded the number of trades seats available at institutions in B.C. by 5,000, helping more people prepare for in-demand careers. In addition, the opening of B.C.'s new medical school at Simon Fraser University is helping train the next generation of health workers who will care for our growing province and build on the strong employment growth seen in health care and the social assistance sector since last year.

“Through our Look West strategy, we are investing in major infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, tourism, and trade opportunities that diversify our economy and reduce our reliance on the U.S.

“British Columbia cannot control global uncertainty, but we can control how we prepare for it. By investing in major projects, training the next generation of workers and opening new markets, we are creating good jobs today, while building a stronger, more resilient economy for 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