B.C. Sees Modest Job Gains in March Amid Broader National Slowdown

British Columbia saw a small improvement in its employment rate last month, according to Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey — a modest bright spot in an otherwise sluggish national economic picture.

B.C.’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 6.1 per cent in March, with 5,700 new jobs added across the province. While not a major shift, it marked a contrast to the national trend: Canada overall lost 33,000 jobs, nudging the country’s unemployment rate up to 6.7 per cent, from 6.6 in February.

Uneven impacts across provinces

Ontario led the nation in job losses, shedding 28,000 positions and pushing its unemployment rate to 7.5 per cent. Alberta also saw a significant hit, with 15,000 jobs lost and an unemployment rate of 7.1 per cent.

Saskatchewan posted the biggest gain, adding 6,600 jobs and lowering its unemployment rate to 4.9 per cent.

B.C. jobs minister touts resilience

Diana Gibson, B.C.'s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, emphasized that B.C. continues to outperform most provinces.

“As British Columbians brace for more economic uncertainty from the U.S., our government is taking action to protect and grow jobs,” Gibson said in a statement.

She also noted that B.C. currently leads the country with the highest average hourly wage, at $37.64.

Gibson pointed to diversifying trade relationships as a strategy for navigating global volatility, especially amid a growing trade dispute with the U.S.

“Countries around the world are looking for new trading partners. We are doing the same to support our businesses and keep people working,” she said.

Sector-by-sector breakdown

Not all areas of B.C.’s economy fared equally well.

• Wholesale and retail trade saw the steepest losses, with 8,900 jobs cut.

• The "other services" category — including personal services and repair work — was down 7,700 jobs.

• On the upside, health care and social assistance added 6,600 positions, as did the information, culture and recreation sector.

City-by-city numbers

Statistics Canada also released adjusted unemployment rates for major cities across B.C. Here’s how they compare:

• Victoria: 3.6% (down from 3.5%)

• Vancouver: 6.7% (down from 6.8%)

• Kelowna: 5.8% (up from 5.3%)

• Kamloops: 5.6% (up from 4.8%)

• Nanaimo: 6.0% (unchanged)

• Abbotsford-Mission: 6.1% (up from 5.5%)

• Chilliwack: 6.6% (down from 7.0%)

StatsCan cautions that local figures are based on small sample sizes and may fluctuate.

Despite the uncertain global outlook, B.C.’s relative stability in job growth could indicate a more resilient labour market compared to other provinces — at least for now.