Thursday, March 28, 2024

BC’s unemployment rate returns to pre-pandemic levels: Stats Canada

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Thousands more jobs are being created in BC.

That’s according to provincial officials, as they point to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for January 2022.

It found that 4,200 jobs were generated during the first month of this year, as the unemployment rate reaches 5.1 percent and returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says that’s the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.

“BC continues to lead the country in economic recovery, having recovered all jobs lost at the outset of the pandemic,” Kahlon said.

“In fact, BC’s employment is now 102.4 percent, which is the highest in the country compared to pre-pandemic levels.”

According to Kahlon, since the dawn of COVID-19, BC has provided more than $525 million in support to help nearly 30,000 businesses.

He says the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant has helped keep people employed and aided businesses with paying bills.

“Owners of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the province have adapted their practices, innovated and pivoted to keep their workers and customers safe,” Kahlon said.

“As a result, 44,600 more people are now working in the private sector than prior to the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, the Jobs Minister adds that Premier John Horgan is leading a national push for a significant, long-term increase in health funding from the federal government.

This announcement comes on the heels of the BC Nurses Union renewing calls for immediate solutions for BC’s health system.

SEE MORE: Exhausted and burnt out: Nurses Union wants solutions for BC’s healthcare system

“We’ve certainly learned throughout this pandemic that our healthcare system must be able to serve all Canadians, especially in their time of need,” Kahlon added.

“Through StrongerBC, BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, we are recruiting 7,000 healthcare workers, including 3,000 in-home and community care, for long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities, to strengthen the health system.”

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