B.C.'s average weekly earnings are continuing to trail the national average, both in dollar value and speed of growth, according to new Statistics Canada data.
The national statistics agency reported that as of August, average weekly earnings in B.C. were $843.64 compared with a national average of $875.62. The Northwest Territories led the pack with average weekly earnings of $1,270.35, while Alberta led the provinces at $1,050.93.
B.C. has also seen less wage growth than the national average over the 12 months to August. Statistics Canada reported that B.C.'s average weekly wages have climbed 3.2% over the period, relative to a national average climb of 3.6%.
Wages in Newfoundland and Labrador grew the fastest over the period at 8.1%, followed by Saskatchewan (6.1%), Nunavut (5.4%) and P.E.I. (5.0%).
According to Statistics Canada, industries with the largest wage growth nationally were:
- professional, scientific and technical services;
- accommodation and food services; and
- construction.
