Mainland/Southwest
Region Overview
The Mainland/Southwest economic region is located in the southwest corner of the B.C. mainland. It includes the Greater Vancouver area, the Fraser Valley and the Sunshine Coast, and stretches north to include Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet.
Key Facts
- Mainland/Southwest is the province’s largest region by population but the smallest by land mass. The population primarily lives in urban areas.
- The share of the region’s population of working age (15-64) is the highest share for this category in the province.
- The majority of all B.C. employment in Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing and in Professional Scientific and Technical Services are concentrated in this region.
- Most of the employment in the region is in the Services sector.
- Unemployment in the region is typically below the provincial rate.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Employment for this Region (2023)
1,802,147| Full-time employment: | 81% |
| Part-time employment: | 19% |
Employment for all of B.C. (2023)
2,790,727| Full-time employment (average): | 80% |
| Part-time employment (average): | 20% |
Unemployment Rate for this Region (2023)
5.5%Unemployment Rate for all of B.C. (2023)
5.2%
10-year Unemployment Rate
Unemployment rate refers to the percentage of the population 15 years and older that are not employed.
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Total Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
754,690Forecasted Job Openings
Composition of Job Openings
Forecasted 10-Year Total Employment Growth
335,150Forecasted Average Annual Employment Growth Rate
1.7%Forecasted Employment Growth Rate (2024 - 2034)
Top Occupations
Top occupations are those with stronger demand and offer higher pay compared to other occupations.
Industry Highlights
The Mainland/Southwest region accounts for the largest percent of provincial employment.
Services sector
Vancouver is the financial and business capital of B.C. and is the location of head offices for many businesses that operate in the province, including financial institutions. This explains why this region accounts for much of the provincial employment.
Goods sector
Mainland/Southwest is home to the most Goods-producing industry jobs (Agriculture; Forestry; Mining, Oil and Gas; Fishing, Hunting and Trapping; Utilities; Construction; and Manufacturing).
Given its urban nature, the region has few resource-based operations and therefore only accounts for around a quarter of total Forestry; Mining, Oil and Gas; and Fishing, Hunting and Trapping jobs. However, the region has a concentration of Construction employment due to the region’s busy housing market, as well as work on office buildings and major projects.
Employment by Industry Table
| Industry | Employment (2023) | % Share of Employment for this Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and Food Services | 122,729 | 6.8% |
| Agriculture and Fishing | 12,750 | 0.7% |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | 54,292 | 3.0% |
| Construction | 140,458 | 7.8% |
| Educational Services | 141,708 | 7.9% |
| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 127,708 | 7.1% |
| Forestry, Logging and Support Activities | 1,646 | 0.1% |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 222,875 | 12.4% |
| Information, Culture and Recreation | 101,646 | 5.7% |
| Manufacturing | 111,958 | 6.2% |
| Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction | 6,583 | 0.4% |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 208,688 | 11.6% |
| Public Administration | 76,812 | 4.3% |
| Repair, Personal and Non-Profit Services | 70,958 | 3.9% |
| Retail Trade | 218,896 | 12.2% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 101,958 | 5.7% |
| Utilities | 9,562 | 0.5% |
| Wholesale Trade | 66,354 | 3.7% |