Minister’s statement on August Labour Force Survey results

September 21, 2023

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for August 2023:

“Earlier today, Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) reported that B.C.’s economy is holding steady with the growth of 12,000 jobs in August. So far this year, B.C. has added 25,600 jobs.

“The monthly unemployment rate for B.C. is 5.2%, which is the second-lowest in the country and below the national average.

“In August, jobs in education increased, which is good news for families with children in public schools and child care. B.C. saw a boost in transportation and warehousing jobs, too, a positive sign for people and businesses following the July port strikes.

“This year’s devastating wildfire season continued in August. The Province continued to deploy thousands of personnel to suppress wildfires and support communities, and issued a provincial state of emergency. August’s increase in public-sector employment likely reflects increased firefighter and emergency response personnel.

Source: BC Gov News