British Columbia recorded a strong month in July. Statistics Canada counted 17,800 more people working than in June, the second largest gain of any province after Ontario. The provincial unemployment rate declined for a second consecutive month to 6.2% down from 6.8% in May. Nationally, employment rose by 75,000 and the unemployment rate reached a two-year low of 6.4% .
The composition of July’s gain also merits attention. The 32,500 full-time positions cited by the province were accompanied by approximately 15,000 fewer part-time positions, which is how the month resolves a net gain of 17,800. This represents an improvement in job quality overall, and a tightening of supply for employers whose staffing models depend on part-time labor.
Over the twelve months to July, employment in British Columbia increased by 2,300 jobs, approximately 1/10th %. Alberta added 91,000 positions over the same period, and Ontario added 108,300. Measured across a full year rather than a single month, British Columbia is the flattest of the large provincial labor markets. The distance between a strong month and a flat year is the most useful measure for organizations planning their hiring.
British Columbia added 24,800 jobs in goods producing industries, while services declined by 22,500 jobs. Construction gained 17,700 jobs, and health care and social assistance added 18,500, accounting for most of the province’s growth. Meanwhile, wholesale and retail trade fell by 31,900 jobs, while finance, insurance and real estate declined by 13,500. Overall employment remained steady, but the variety of jobs across the province shifted significantly.(Statistics Canada, Table 6)
Future Hiring Demand
The demand for talent is increasingly being shaped by where employers are investing and growing. Construction, health care, social services, and education are among the sectors expected to see continued demand as they expand. While monthly employment figures should be interpreted with care, B.C.’s improving employment trend suggests that employers are already signaling where future opportunities may emerge.
Interested to know more ? Read at : Labour Force Survey, July 2026 and B.C. adds 17,800 new jobs