While B.C.'s unemployment rate went up in February, job losses were less severe than in January, which saw a record drop in full-time employment, according to the latest Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada.
B.C.'s unemployment rate rose to 6.7% from 6.1% due primarily to the loss of 3,200 part-time jobs and 1,600 full-time jobs.
The loss was far less severe than in January, which saw 68,100 full-time jobs shed in the province, one of the largest single-month declines due primarily to the massive loss manufacturing and construction jobs at the start of the year.
Since October, when the global financial crisis took hold, more than 85,800 full-time jobs have been lost in the province. Some of that has been offset by a 37,400 increase in part-time jobs.
Despite the rise in unemployment, B.C. faired relatively better than other provinces in February. Ontario saw a net loss of 35,000 jobs. Alberta lost 24,000 and Quebec lost 18,000.
Overall, men aged 25 to 54 were the hardest demographic group hit in February with 66,000 jobs lost last month. A decrease of 43,000 construction jobs accounted for most of the losses, however professionals, scientists, and people in technical services, education and natural resources also saw job losses.