British Columbia Adds 25,000 Jobs in May as Youth Unemployment Climbs to 15.3%
Updated
Updated · Daily Hive · Jun 5
British Columbia Adds 25,000 Jobs in May as Youth Unemployment Climbs to 15.3%
3 articles · Updated · Daily Hive · Jun 5
Summary
Statistics Canada reported B.C. added 25,000 jobs in May, the province’s first monthly gain after losing more than 40,000 jobs over the first four months of 2026.
That rebound only partially repaired earlier losses: B.C.’s unemployment rate held at 6.8% even as Canada added 88,000 jobs and the national rate fell to 6.6%.
Young workers captured 7,000 of the new jobs, but B.C.’s youth unemployment rate still rose to 15.3% from 14.4%, sharpening concern over a weak entry-level job market.
The Business Council of British Columbia said youth employment has fallen 14% in seven years, with losses concentrated in retail and accommodation amid weak private-sector hiring and more entry-level job seekers.
The split data drew opposing political readings: the Conservative Party warned of a youth jobs crisis, while Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said B.C. is building resilience despite U.S. tariffs and war-driven cost pressures.