B.C. lost 23,000 jobs in May; Jobs minister says we see light at the end of the tunnel but we’re not there yet

Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says although Statistics Canada data shows BC lost roughly 23-thousand part-time jobs in May, 21,000 full-time jobs were created.

Kahlon says that's what kept BC's unemployment rate almost static last month at 7 per cent, a dip of one basis point since April.

Kahlon says the May figures reflect the difficulties many businesses faced last month during restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

He says BC's restart plan is now rolling out and he hopes it cuts into unemployment that has disproportionately affected workers between the ages of 15 and 24, as well as those who are Indigenous, Black or people of colour.

Ravi Kahlon on Twitter:

With the first step of our restart plan underway, we see light at the end of the tunnel – but we’re not there yet.

The LFS for MayDown pointing backhand index

Rightwards arrowBC lost 23,200 part-time jobs

Rightwards arrowBC gained 21,300 full-time jobs

Rightwards arrowB.C.’s unemployment rate is well below the national average at 7%