STATISTICS Canada’s Labour Force Survey results for September show B.C. is leading Canada’s economic recovery, with 12,300 jobs added last month, says Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

Kahlon said in a statement on Friday: “B.C. continues to lead all provinces since the onset of the pandemic with a job recovery rate of 101.5%. Our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country at 5.9%.”

He added: “Our job recovery rate has been strong across the province, led by Prince George at 107.1%. Other notable job recovery rates are in the Thompson-Okanagan at 106.8%, the Cariboo at 104.6%, Vancouver Island at 104.1%, the Kootenays at 102.3%, Lower Mainland at 102%, Vancouver at 101.3% and North Coast-Nechako at 100.7%.”

Kahlon said: “Government’s strong stewardship of the provincial economy is also reflected in B.C.’s average hourly wage, which is one of the highest in Canada at $30.74. In July 2017, when British Columbians first elected the John Horgan government, B.C. workers’ wages were at $25.41 an hour. Since that time, the average hourly wage for B.C. workers has risen by $5.33 an hour or 21%, more than any other province.”

He pointed out: “While we’re not there yet and many people and businesses are still struggling with the impacts of the pandemic, our economic success so far is due largely to the 81% of eligible British Columbians who have received the vaccine and done their part to keep our province safe and our economy moving forward.”

Kahlon added: “Women, who have been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic, led B.C.’s increase in employment for the month of September. The job recovery rate for women stands at 101.7%.

“Our record investments in skills training, child care and affordable housing will help ensure more British Columbians have the opportunity to succeed, and build long-lasting careers while ensuring businesses have the workers they need now and in the future.

“Data from the Labour Force Survey shows Indigenous peoples job recovery rate rose in September to 107.8% and is at the highest point since the pandemic began.

“In the past year, we have also seen more than 34,000 people move to B.C. from other provinces, helping to grow our labour market because they know this is a safe province in which to build a secure future. That’s the largest inter-provincial migration to B.C. in 28 years.

“We will continue to do what’s necessary to help build a stronger B.C. We all continue to recognize that a healthy B.C. and a healthy economy go hand in hand. And I urge everyone to get vaccinated, which is the best way to put the pandemic behind us and ensure we can come together safely once again.”