British Columbia’s economy added 17,800 jobs in July, marking a third straight month of gains, according to Statistics Canada.
The agency’s latest Labour Force Survey showed B.C.’s unemployment rate declined for a second straight month, reaching 6.2 per cent in July. That was down from a recent high of 6.8 per cent in May.
The unemployment rate among people aged 15 to 24 also fell to 11.6 per cent from 12.9 per cent in June.
The province gained more than 32,500 full-time positions while losing close to 15,000 part-time jobs.
The largest gains were in the construction sector, which added 7,000 jobs from the previous month. B.C. has added close to 18,000 construction jobs since last year.
The province also added more than 5,000 jobs in the professional, scientific and technical services sector, which includes jobs in law, accounting, architecture and more.
The province’s health care and social assistance sector also gained 5,000 roles.
Most of the province’s job losses in July were in public administration and other services, according to Statistics Canada.
Canada added 75,000 jobs last month in total. The national unemployment rate declined 0.1 percentage points to 6.4 per cent.
B.C.’s Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said the latest jobs report shows the strength of B.C.’s economy.
“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,” said Kahlon.
He highlighted the job gains for women in the province, saying women’s full-time employment increased by 16,200 jobs in July, the second-highest gain in Canada.
The B.C. Conservatives said in a statement the youth unemployment rate still remains “stubbornly high.”
“B.C.’s jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%),” said Gavin Dew, shadow minister for economic development.
“Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth. We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper,” he said.
