ADRIAN Dix, acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, on Friday said in a statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for August 2026: “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.

“In August, B.C.’s unemployment rate rose to 6.5%, which is fifth-lowest in Canada and below Alberta and Ontario. B.C.’s youth unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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.

“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.

“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.”