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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended.

“BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.”

This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's top business school is falling behind in international rankings due to collapsing employment outcomes.

Since 2019, youth employment in BC has fallen by 51,000 workers, a 14 per cent decline and the worst of any province in the country. With youth labour force participation at its lowest point in a quarter century, the Conservatives recently released a Youth Jobs Plan.

A sign of the times: UBC's Sauder School of Business ranked 99th out of 100 in the Financial Times' 2026 global MBA rankings, with only 52 per cent of graduates finding work within three months.

Adding to investor uncertainty, NDP Minister Kelly Greene publicly opposed the Tilbury LNG expansion on the same day Energy Minister Adrian Dix confirmed it would proceed.

"When cabinet  ministers can't agree on major job-creating projects, investors take  notice," said Dew. 

"This kind of dysfunctional inconsistency stalls  investment, drives away capital, and costs young British Columbians opportunities." 

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