Unemployment data shows strong recovery, says B.C. NDP

BC Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says the latest Statistics Canada employment data shows BC has one of the strongest economies in Canada and is rebuilding after the pandemic, but the Opposition Liberals say New Democrats are "bumbling" without a plan.

A statement released by Kahlon's ministry says BC created nearly 27,000 jobs last month, unemployment fell to 6.9 per cent from eight per cent in January and is now at 99.4 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

But a statement from the Liberal caucus says the only way to build well-paying post-pandemic jobs is with a sector-by-sector recovery plan that businesses are demanding but the NDP has failed to supply.

The statement says BC's "bumbling" government is just hoping to get lucky with the economy.

Employment in some parts of the province is above pre-pandemic levels.

For example, Prince George is at 106.7% and Kamloops is at 103.3%.