Canadian employment declined by 7,500 jobs on a monthly basis in May, but was up 1.3 per cent compared to 1 year ago. The national unemployment rate remained unchanged for a second consecutive month at 5.8 per cent while total hours worked across the economy grew by 2 per cent.

In BC, employment fell by 12,000 jobs. For the first time since May 2015, employment in BC has recorded virtually zero growth on a year-over-year basis. Despite the loss of jobs, the provincial unemployment rate moved 0.2 points lower in May to 4.8 per cent due to a decline in the overall number of people actively searching for work.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.