The job market thrived really thrived in Abbotsford and Mission in May, with 1,000 additional people securing jobs, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
There are now approximately 113,000 people employed within the Abbotsford-Mission job market, which marks an increase of 1,000 individuals from April, and stands in sharp contrast to many other areas of B.C., which experienced drops in employment from April to May.
While the number of employed locals increased, so too did the unemployment numbers. In May, the total of Abbotsford-Mission residents who were deemed unemployed rose from 6,800 to 7,000, now bringing the cities to a combined unemployment rate of seven per cent.
This unemployment percentage is slightly higher than the provincial average, which currently sits at 6.4 per cent. However, the Abbotsford-Mission employment rate is also higher than the provincial average, with the local rate sitting at 62.5 per cent.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, explained that having an increase in employment is particularly significant, especially during a time when there are so many economic challenges being posed by the U.S.
"So far this year, B.C. has gained 67,000 full-time jobs, the highest increase among provinces," Gibson said. "Now, more than ever, it’s critical for B.C. to focus on diversifying our economy and protecting jobs for British Columbians, and we are doing that work."
As a whole, the province saw the biggest job increases from April to May in the construction industry, with the professional, scientific and technical services sector being a close second, with an increase of 11.2 per cent and 11.1 per cent, respectively.
Gibson also explained that women make up a significant portion of B.C.'s workforce, with 11,000 more entering the workforce in May.
"So far this year, B.C. has the highest increase in women’s full-time employment among provinces at 32,900," she said.
In an effort to further promote job growth throughout the province, Gibson and other government officials are meeting with European contacts to attempt to expand the influence of B.C. products in Asian markets.
"Growing a stronger and more diverse economy will help protect people in B.C. from instability outside our borders, with investments that will bring good-paying jobs to the province as part of robust and sustainable industries."
