RAVI Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economy Recovery and Innovation, in a statement on Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for January on Friday, said: “This winter and the second wave of the pandemic have been a strain for people and businesses in British Columbia, but our combined efforts to follow the guidance of the provincial health officer have resulted in an economy that continues to show resilience. Despite the large number of job losses in many parts of Canada, British Columbia was able to create 2,800 jobs in January, according to the latest Labour Force Survey. We’re also seeing the positive trend toward full-time employment continue.”
He added: “Since the economic low point of the pandemic in April, B.C. has seen nine consecutive months of job growth, bringing employment levels to more than 98% of pre-pandemic levels. However, significant challenges remain for many sectors where the impacts of the pandemic continue to limit operations, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Additionally, people of colour and Indigenous peoples in British Columbia continue to face disproportionate impacts during this pandemic.”
Kahlon said: “Our province’s economic recovery will not fully take hold until vaccinations have been fully administered, which is why it is critically important we do everything we can to prevent the spread of this virus. At the same time, we will work collaboratively with the hardest-hit sectors to support them during this difficult time and ensure we’re building a recovery in B.C. that closes inequality gaps in our society.”
He said: “The Province’s $10-billion COVID-19 response is focused on protecting people’s health and livelihoods, and investing in stronger communities and a bright future. The pandemic changed the way people work and the way we do business. We have introduced several programs under the StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan to help businesses pivot, recover and protect jobs. We will continue to listen and be responsive to the needs of people, businesses and communities to see them through the pandemic and into a strong economic recovery that will support all British Columbians.”
