April a Great Month for Jobs
May 11, 2012
(News Release) VICTORIA — More British Columbians benefited from jobs in April, as B.C.’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 per cent from seven per cent in March, and gained 19,700 jobs — 16,700 of which are full-time positions.
Since February 2011, B.C. has added 57,900 jobs to the economy, benefiting families all over the province.
Today’s Labour Force Survey also revealed that compared to this time last year, B.C.’s unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points lower, resulting in the province having Canada’s fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Canada.
Regionally, Vancouver Island and the Coast gained 4,600 positions, the Lower Mainland-Southwest gained 15,000 positions, and Cariboo gained 500 positions. While there were some losses in the rest of B.C., the overall provincial gains show tremendous progress for B.C.
Strong gains were recorded in forestry, fishing, mining, and gas extraction; manufacturing; trade; and transportation and warehousing. April’s gains have more than made up for March’s losses in these same industries.
“Under the BC Jobs Plan, we are committed to creating and protecting jobs for B.C. families and today’s numbers clearly show me that our investments are working," says Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation. "Every job counts for families in B.C. and it’s great to see that so many corners of our province are seeing positive results.”