BC Gov News
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for November 2025:
“Here in B.C., and around the world, we’re living in uncertain times, especially in our forestry sector. Tariffs from the United States are causing havoc, and it’s never been more important to make sure we’re doing everything possible to strengthen, diversify and grow our economy to protect the jobs that people rely on.
“Today’s Labour Force Survey numbers for November show that, despite ongoing challenges, B.C.’s economy is holding steady, with 6,200 jobs added in the past month. This reflects the resilience of our people and our economy, and reinforces our commitment to continue supporting innovation, skills training and sector growth to weather global challenges and create opportunities for everyone to succeed.
“Over the past 12 months, B.C. has added 40,400 new jobs, led by gains in manufacturing and construction. This demonstrates the work we’re doing to build the infrastructure needed to keep up with the growth of our province.
“B.C. is also leading the way in women’s full-time employment, with the highest increase in Canada this month, adding 22,000 jobs. In addition, B.C. has gained 15,700 jobs in youth employment, the second-highest increase in Canada.
“Our unemployment rate improved slightly to 6.4%, the fourth-lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.5%.
“British Columbia continues to lead the country with the second-highest average hourly wage among provinces.
“Last month, our government launched our Look West jobs plan to rise to the challenges brought on by U.S. tariffs by setting a 10-year vision to strengthen B.C.’s economy, including continuing work to speed up permitting and diversify key sectors, so B.C.’s economy is less reliant on the United States. This work includes the North Coast Transmission Line, which will create 10,000 good-paying jobs and is one of four projects on the federal government’s list of major projects.
“In B.C., we know what it takes to succeed. We have outperformed economically time and time again. This strategy leverages B.C.’s strengths and ongoing work to be the economic engine of Canada, lead on nation-building major projects, create good jobs and skills-training opportunities for people, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future.
“B.C. has the resources Canada and the world need, the infrastructure and coastal ports to deliver them to market, and the skilled people and regulatory framework to complete major projects, which will drive our economy forward and create good jobs people can rely on.”
Learn More:
Learn more about B.C.’s response to tariffs here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs
Read the full Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada strategy here: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
Learn about the other ways the Province is building a stronger B.C. economy here: https://gov.bc.ca/StrongEconomy
Learn about the historic investment in skills training here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33029