VICTORIA, B.C.: British Columbia lost another 19,200 jobs in March, following major losses in February, as the provincial unemployment rate rose 0.6 points to 6.7 per cent, the highest level since February 2016.

There are now 209,000 British Columbians unemployed and looking for work, the highest number since David Eby became Premier.

The March losses were driven by a drop of 23,700 full-time jobs, only partly offset by an increase of 5,000 part-time jobs.

“Two straight months of heavy job losses is not a blip, it is a warning sign,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and the Official Opposition Critic for Jobs, Economic Development. “More people are out of work, full-time jobs are disappearing, and David Eby is still refusing to take responsibility.”

Dew said the numbers also show the wrong priorities in government.

“It’s no wonder B.C. is losing jobs when this government has piled a PST hike and a public safety crisis on top of uncertainty around basic property rights. This government is making B.C. more expensive, less secure, and harder to invest in.”

“People are fed up with a government that blames everyone else. Stop talking about Trump. Stop posturing about pipelines. Look in the mirror, take accountability, and take action.”

Dew said the province needs a government focused on restoring confidence, supporting investment, and making B.C. a place where employers can grow and workers can get ahead.

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