B.C. adds 17,800 net jobs in July as unemployment rate falls to 6.2%

British Columbia added a net 17,800 jobs in July, bringing the province's unemployment rate down to 6.2 per cent, according to employment figures highlighted by B.C. Jobs and Economic Development Minister Ravi Kahlon.

Kahlon said the province recorded the largest increase in full-time employment in Canada during the month, with 32,500 full-time jobs added. The increase included 16,200 new full-time positions held by women, according to the provincial government.

The minister also said B.C.'s manufacturing sector gained 3,100 jobs in July, while employment in the agriculture sector increased 43.5 per cent compared with the same period last year. Average hourly wages in the province reached $38.71, the government said.

According to the provincial government, B.C.'s unemployment rate is now the fourth lowest in Canada. Kahlon said the government will continue investing in major projects, workforce training and initiatives aimed at helping businesses expand into new markets to support future job growth.