BC NDP government crows about latest labour stats, however most important age groups and genders awash with MINUS signs

Just last week, the BC NDP government was crowing about provincial labour stats from August 9^th.  In some area there were positive signs, however as you can see, the most important ages groups and genders were awash with minus signs:

B.C. Highlights

The unemployment rate in British Columbia was 4.4% in July, down slightly (-0.1 points) from June .... BUT overall it should be noted that ... the labour force contracted (‑8,500) and there were fewer jobs (‑4,800) in July...

In July, 8,100 part-time jobs were added, while 12,900 full-time jobs were lost.

By age group, the full-time employment gains for those aged 55 and over (+4,700) were offset by fewer jobs among those 25 to 54 (‑12,300) and 15 to 24 (‑5,300).

On the other hand, there were increases in part-time jobs for those aged 25 to 54 (+8,700) and 15 to 24 (+5,800), while part-time employment declined for those aged 55 years and over (‑6,400).

Employment increased in the public sector (+9,200), while the number of private sector (‑9,400) jobs declined in July. The number of self-employed individuals decreased (‑4,600) compared to June.

Provincial Comparisons

At 4.4%, British Columbia’s unemployment rate was the lowest in Canada for the month of July. Quebec had the second lowest unemployment rate (4.9%), followed by Saskatchewan (5.4%), Ontario (5.7%), and Manitoba (5.8%).

Gender

In July, employment in British Columbia for men (aged 25 years and over) increased by 800, while the size of the labour force contracted (‑2,400). As a result, the unemployment rate for men was 3.3%, down from 3.6% in June.

For women (aged 25 years and over), there were 6,000 fewer jobs in July, while the labour force decreased by 5,200. Consequently, the unemployment rate for women remained at 3.8%, unchanged from the previous month.

Industry

Employment in the goods-producing sector was down (‑7,000 or ‑1.4%) in July.

The largest losses were in manufacturing (‑4,200 or ‑2.5%) and forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (‑2,500 or ‑5.6%). The construction (+900 or +0.4%) and agriculture (+300 or +1.2%) industries saw increases.

In the twelve months to July, employment in the goods-producing sector declined by 8,900 (‑1.8%).

In July, overall employment for the services-producing sector (+2,400 or +0.1%) increased from the previous month.

Among the service industries, educational services (+10,900 or +6.3%) posted the largest increase, followed by accommodation and food services (+5,300 or +2.9%) and other services, except public administration (+3,200 or +2.7%).

On the other hand, employment decreased for professional, scientific and technical services (‑4,600 or ‑2.1%), transportation and warehousing (‑4,500 or ‑3.2%), and health care and social assistance (‑2,800 or ‑0.9%) in July. Since July 2018, the services-producing sector has added 102,500 (+5.2%) positions.

Tech and professional sector ... DOWN

Manufacturing ... DOWN

Forestry and mining ... DOWN

And jobs for those aged 25 to 54 ... the KEY age group most important to the well-being of our provinces??   DOWN

And how does Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, Stats Can Labour Force Survey figures for July 2019?

“Our government’s good economic stewardship, paired with investments in people, has resulted in British Columbia leading the country with the lowest unemployment ... confirms that British Columbia has a strong economy, despite uncertainty in the global economy and difficulties in certain sectors”.

And what sectors are the ones Ralston is referring to as having uncertainty and difficulties? They are the ones I just noted above ... and especially the 25 to 54 age group.

British Columbians cannot prosper, as long as this NDP government throws roadblocks in front of the resource industry ... and causes a never-ending delays through government court actions.

Full stop – end of story ... almost.

Dear Mr. Ralston ... supporting affected workers and their communities and ensuring they get the assistance they need ... actually means doing something POSITIVE.

Visit the Labour Market Statistics page for detailed data tables and other resources.