BC gained 7,800 jobs, economy still sluggish, survey shows

(Image courtesy of CBC)

Last week, Statistics Canada released its labour force survey for September, and while BC added jobs, the province’s workforce remains in a state of stagnation.

Labour figures leave a lot to be desired

Starting the year, the province reported a total employed population of 2,944,000, which includes those working full and part-time. Nine months later, the total employed population is 2,944,700, a net increase of only 700 jobs.

Gains and losses in BC employment by personnel. Information retrieved from Statistics Canada.

The unemployment population has also ticked up from January as well, from 187,100 to 201,900. The rate of unemployment has also gone up from 6 percent to 6.4 percent from January to September, respectively.

Gains and losses in BC unemployment by personnel. Information retrieved from Statistics Canada.

BC is not yet on sound economic footing

It is no secret that BC has faced fiscal challenges during the last couple of years. Though BC is a resource-driven economy, the province has seen projects being cancelled, such as the $11-billion Kitimat oil refinery project. While this project was shut down by the federal government in December 2024, the province has not attempted to bring the matter up with the newly minted Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin and the Carney government.

The trade uncertainty with the United States also remains a key challenge for BC. With US President Donald Trump pledging to take a hard line on not just resources and commodities, but also the film industry. Over the last couple of decades, BC has built a strong and viable film space, famously named “Hollywood North.” However, with the new American administration potentially taking a firmer line, perhaps fewer productions will make their way across the 49th parallel.

Problems persist in BC and Canada

The point ultimately being that the British Columbian economy, along with the Canadian economy, still faces challenges that have been apparent for months. While how much these governments can do is up for debate, sitting on their hands and hoping things get better is not a viable long-term strategy.