British Columbia lost 5,500 jobs in August as the province’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.5 per cent, according to Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey.
Employment across Canada fell by 42,000 jobs in August, while the national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4 per cent.
B.C.’s employment decline was smaller than those recorded in Ontario and Quebec. Statistics Canada described employment in B.C. as “little changed” for the month.
Adrian Dix, acting minister of jobs and economic growth, said the numbers show the province continues to face pressure from U.S. tariffs.
“People and businesses in British Columbia continue to show their steady strength and resilience as new and continuing tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump create unjustified challenges in some of our most important sectors.
“Today’s Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey report showed 42,000 jobs lost nationally in August, with B.C. having the smallest decline among large provinces at 5,500.
“This follows 50,800 total jobs being added to B.C.’s economy in the previous three months (May to July), the result of the work our government is doing through our Look West strategy to strengthen our economy, deliver major projects faster and make sure British Columbians have the skills they need to seize on new opportunities.
“It is clear Donald Trump is deliberatively creating a powerful economic crisis for our country with a target on our forestry sector that is having a real impact. That’s why our work together with the federal government to support businesses, build up our country and invest in job-creating projects is more critical than it’s ever been.
“Our government is resolved to standing up to these challenges.”
The provincial unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points from July to 6.5 per cent. Alberta’s unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent and Ontario’s was 6.9 per cent.
Dix said the province’s youth unemployment rate was 13.2 per cent.
“In August, B.C.’s unemployment rate rose to 6.5 per cent, which is fifth-lowest in Canada and below Alberta and Ontario. B.C.’s youth unemployment rate is 13.2 per cnet, fourth-lowest among provinces.
“And our province continues to lead the country in wage growth, with an average hourly wage of $39.07, which is the highest in Canada, while leading all large provinces in GDP growth since 2017.”
Dix also pointed to provincial investments in school construction as part of the government’s efforts to support employment.
“Our government is continuing to make significant investments that create jobs and benefit families throughout the province, including in public education. This has benefited the 23 new and improved schools that are opening to students next week, and the 51 more school construction projects that are underway.
“In B.C., we’re taking big steps to grow a diversified economy that can stand on its own, as we become less reliant on the U.S. as a trading partner, but we recognize that Trump’s tariffs are a real challenge.
“We were pleased to see the Government of Canada announcing new supports for people and businesses last month, in addition to their announcement of countertariffs.”
The federal government announced a $7.5-billion package of new and enhanced supports for workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs in August. It also announced new counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports, scheduled to take effect Sept. 8.
Dix said major private and public infrastructure projects would continue to support employment in the province.
“We will continue to monitor the impacts of these new tariffs as billions of dollars of major private-sector projects and public-infrastructure projects move forward, creating tens of thousands of jobs for people in B.C.
“This includes the North Coast Transmission Line, which is now under construction and, when complete, will power tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and ensure industries have the clean energy they need to grow and thrive.
“As we have, time and time again, our government will be there to fill in any gaps that may appear through this process. We have the backs of businesses and workers.
“While we can’t control the actions of a volatile U.S. president, we can continue to work together to build a stronger economy here, and across Canada, that can stand on its own two feet.”
