Canada Place at Port of Vancouver, B.C., Canada PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

By Dieter Gruntam for theWedge.LIVE

“The December labour market report closes out the 2019 year showing a resilient economy in British Columbia despite uncertainty around the globe,” states Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.

The spokesperson for the Ministry reports to the Wedge:

The leading sectors for employment in December compared to last year include (see note):

• • Educational services (+9.3%) to 182,400
  • Agriculture (+5.6%) to 26,500
  • Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (+7.7%) to 163,000

Contractions were seen in:

• • Natural resources (-20.5%) to 41,000
  • Manufacturing (-7.0%) to 159,300
  • Construction (-3.1%) to 240,300

“Our province’s economy set the standard across Canada last year with the nation’s lowest unemployment, high GDP growth and strong wage increases.

“Investing in people paid off for British Columbians in 2019 with average wages increasing by $1.52 an hour, the highest wage growth in Canada. Since we formed government in July 2017, B.C. has created over 60,000 jobs and wages have increased by more than $3 an hour, improving the standard of living for British Columbians.

“Once again, B.C. had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for the month of December, decreasing to 4.8%. British Columbia has held Canada’s lowest unemployment rate for 29 of the 30 months in which our government has been in power.

“Looking ahead, private forecasts expect B.C. to lead the country in economic growth again in 2020, thanks in part to the Province’s strong investments in infrastructure.”

NOTE: It is important to note that month to month number above change in employment by industry can be volatile; it is always best to look at the long-term trend when it comes to employment numbers.