THE federal Labour Force Survey for the month of May showed B.C. lost 23,200 part-time jobs while gaining 21,300 full-time jobs. B.C.’s unemployment rate remained stable at 7%, well below the national rate of 8.2%.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, said on Friday: “Despite this pandemic, B.C. continues to lead Canada with a job recovery rate of over 99%. This is alongside the solid economic outlook that was acknowledged last week by the global credit rating agency Moody’s, which affirmed B.C.’s triple-A credit rating. B.C. remains the only province in Canada to receive the top rating by all the major international credit rating agencies.”

Kahlon added: “While B.C. is well positioned to have a strong economic recovery, these job numbers reflect the difficult situation many businesses were in just a couple weeks ago when the Circuit Breaker restrictions were still in effect.

“Since that time, we have launched BC’s Restart plan, which has led to increased optimism and hope across the province. Many B.C. businesses, including restaurants, pubs and accommodations, have started to welcome people following Step 1 of the restart plan, which began on May 25.

“The pandemic continues to affect people differently. The unemployment rate remains high for young people aged 15 to 24, and the pandemic has also disproportionately impacted people who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of colour. B.C. is committed to assisting the hardest hit and sharing the benefits of recovery with everyone.

“Our government has provided more in per-capita direct supports to people and businesses than any other province in Canada, and we will continue to support businesses and workers to ensure everyone can be part of an innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery as we all work to build a stronger B.C.”