Thoughts on BC Politics and More

WHILE THE BC GOVERNMENT CROWS about having a lower unemployment rate than the national average, I am confused by the statics, regarding NEW jobs in the private sector. Today’s news release from Diana Gibson (Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation) states, and I quote: “ Private-sector employment is up by 5,100 this month, the second highest amongst provinces and up by 7,700 compared to this time last year. Today’s Labour Force Survey data shows a growth of 12,500 jobs in construction, which is good news as the government continues its focus on creating more affordable housing for all British Columbians. B.C. is also seeing gains in professional, scientific and technical services (+10,200), and accommodation and food services (+8,000) .” The NDP’s Diana Gibson says private sector employment was up by 7,700 jobs in the past 12 months. But then she turns around and says there were 12,500 jobs in construction, 10,200 jobs in professional, scientific and technical services, ...

  A mayor of a community deeply impacted by recent changes in the forestry industry says that there needs to be policy reform and changes in legislation, and that the province needs to take strong action to protect jobs and communities . . . . . . Joan Atkinson, the mayor of Mackenzie, a community that has been hit hard in recent years by mill closures, says that communities like hers needs action, not promises. It is hard to understate just how much Mackenzie has been impacted by recent changes in the industry. Particularly, after Canfor shut the sawmill down in the community of 3,281, in 2019, followed by the pulp mill in 2020. Atkinson says that the number of jobs that have been lost in her community, can be linked to legislation, which is why she is calling for reform . . . CLICK HERE for the full story