B.C. recovers more than half of COVID-related job losses

The B.C. government says about 58 per cent of the jobs lost in March and April have been recovered.

Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, Michelle Mungall, says the labour force survey for July shows B.C. created another 70,200 jobs, the majority in the wholesale and retail sectors along with the hard-hit food services and accommodation.

“B.C.’s Restart Plan continues to create positive signs for our economy, but we still have a long way to go as we build a strong recovery. Added to the employment gains we saw in May and June, B.C. has recovered about 58 per cent of the jobs lost in March and April,” Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston, said.

The province’s unemployment rate fell to 11.1 per cent, down from 13 per cent in June.