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VICTORIA – British Columbia led the country in job creation in January, creating nearly 32,000 new jobs – the second highest monthly increase in 30 years, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced today.
“This positive job creation is really important to all B.C. families and I’m particularly pleased that Statistics Canada has highlighted the employment gains made by B.C.’s Aboriginal community,” said Taylor. “This shows how a strong economy can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Since January 2005, the employment rate for off-reserve Aboriginal people in British Columbia has increased by 5.5 percentage points to 58.5 per cent.
“January’s job figures are certainly good news but our challenge remains finding people to fill these jobs,” said Taylor. “It shows the importance of our new training tax credit that will encourage skills and training to help meet the growing demand for workers.”
British Columbia created more than one-third of new jobs in Canada last month and since December 2001, B.C. has created over 356,000 jobs. The Labour Force Survey also reveals that employment of British Columbia’s working-age population is at a record high 63.5 per cent.
In January, British Columbia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.3 per cent from 5.2 per cent in December – returning to the 30-year low set in June 2006. Since December 2001, B.C.’s unemployment rate has fallen 5.7 percentage points.
Much of B.C.’s job growth last month was due to gains in the service sector, notably trade; accommodation and food services; and information, culture and recreation.
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