Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

On the same day Statistics Canada announced the Federal economy created 40,000 jobs last month, the provincial government has announced that B.C.’s job growth also remains strong and steady.

In December 2012, B.C. gained 4,300 full-time positions, with the construction sector leading the way with 14,800 jobs last month. Other areas of strong job growth include educational services (12,000+ jobs) and wholesale and retail trade (6,900+).

Regionally, Vancouver Island and the Coast gained 3,300 positions, the Kootenays
gained 800 positions, the North Coast and Nechako region gained 400 positions and the Northeast gained 300. Of B.C.'s main metropolitan areas, Kelowna reported a gain of 600 jobs and Victoria gained 1,500.

The average hourly wage in the province went up 2.2 per cent compared to December 2011. For youth under the age of 25, the average hourly wage in December was up 5.8 per cent over last year.

"We are living in challenging economic times, but government has a solid plan in place to help ensure that B.C.'s economy remains strong and steady and that the province continues to attract new investors and businesses,” says Pat Bell, minister responsible for labour.

"Government continues to invest in infrastructure and programs that will help British Columbians gain the skills they need to take advantage of the many job opportunities available in communities throughout the province. Continued progress in job creation this month demonstrates that B.C. remains on the right path."

Since December 2011, BC has added 19,400 jobs as a result of a gain of 30,800 full-time positions combined with a loss of 11,400 part-time positions.

That places B.C. fourth in Canada, behind Quebec (+138,000 jobs), Ontario (+100,300 jobs) and Alberta (+31,800 jobs).