B.C. lost 43,000 jobs in April as the impacts of 'circuit breaker' felt by businesses

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economy Recovery and Innovation, has issued a statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for April 2021.

"The Labour Force Survey for the month of April showed B.C. lost 43,000 jobs as the impacts of the provincial health officer's temporary orders were felt by businesses and workers.

"The decline in April follows 11 consecutive months of job gains. B.C. currently leads all major provinces in job recovery.

"The vast majority of the job losses last month were part time and in accommodation and food services, as well as information, culture and recreation. These sectors were directly impacted by Dr. Bonnie Henry's health orders, known as the 'circuit breaker,' designed to bend the curve of B.C.'s third wave.

"Knowing these new orders would present hardships for many businesses, our government put in place the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, which provides financial support of up to $20,000 for impacted operators. We also provided additional support measures for the restaurant sector.

"There is more than $125 million available in the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant. This funding will support 20,000 businesses and help them cover costs such as rent and wages for their employees. This grant is one of many supports available to businesses. Overall, the B.C. government has provided, per capita, the most support for people, businesses and communities in the country.