Unemployment numbers still low

In fact, at 5.1 percent, the national unemployment picture is at record lows. And the rest of the country has comparable numbers with Quebec showing the lowest jobless rate in the country at 4.2 percent. With numbers like that, those in the business of recruitment may have to tweak their methods.

“We need to look in different directions for our competitive advantage to find workers for Prince George. And start looking internationally. And I know that there have been lots of efforts to bring immigration levels up. We need to keep focussing on that and making sure that Prince George is getting our fair share.”

The Province called the current labour market situation a “Problem of Prosperity” and says 100, 000 people came to BC last year, 30,000 of whom were from other provinces and the remaining 70,000 were immigrants. That may help to address some of the shortfalls, but the Province is also looking at training.

“Minister [Anne] Kang, who is the Minister of Advanced Education and Training has a plan in place, working with major employers, employer associations, and the 26 public post-secondary institutions to develop and train the people for the jobs of the future.”

Corey Naphtali says, to compete with other jurisdictions across the country, Prince George may have to start tooting its own horn a little more loudly.

by Cheryl Jahn

Unemployment numbers still low

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