VICTORIA
– Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black released the following
statement today.
“I’d like to thank the people of British Columbia who
work at paid or volunteer jobs to make our province the best place on Earth.
Since Labour Day was first observed in 1894, we’ve taken this day to honour the
people in our workforce who have contributed so much to our quality of life.
“As we celebrate British Columbia’s 150th
anniversary, we recognize that our workforce has changed and grown over the
past century and a half. From the early settlers who built our logging, fishing
and mining industries to today’s diverse labour force of 2.3 million – the
workers of British Columbia
created our strong and vibrant communities, our thriving economy, and our
reputation as a leader in so many fields.
“More people are working in British Columbia than ever before. Our
provincial economy has created more than 430,000 jobs since 2001. People are
moving back to our province to take advantage of the increasing opportunities
here. The unemployment rate today is one
of the lowest in Canada and
one of the lowest in British Columbia
in three decades.
“I encourage all British Columbians to take
pride in the people who have worked so hard over the past 150 years to make
this province the best place to live, work and raise a family.
“Have a very safe Labour Day weekend.”
-30-
