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Quick Facts and Numbers - British Columbia
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Population: 4,279,462 (Jan 2006)
Canadian Population: 34.2 million
Population Growth (2004-2005): 1.2%
Canadian Population Growth: 0.9%
Median Age (2001): 34.7 years
Canadian Median Age: 37.6 years
Visible Minority Population: 21.6% (2001)
Canadian Minority Population: 13.4%
Urbanized: 85.0% (2001)
Canadian Average: 79.7%
Aboriginal Population in BC: 170,025
Percentage of Canadian Aboriginal Population: 17%
Average Age: 26.8 years
Canadian Average: 24.7 years
Unemployment Rate: 22.5%
Median income: $15,067
Percentage over 15 years with a high school diploma: 72%
| Year | 2005 | 2006 | 2007f |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP at Basic Prices ($ Millions 1997) |
131,962 | 136,376 | 140,505 |
| Percentage change | 3.7% | 3.3% | 3.0% |
| GDP at Basic Prices Canada ($ Millions 1997) |
1,155,947 | 1,190,410 | 1,227,209 |
| Percentage change | 2.8% | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Inflation Rate (CPI-based) | 2.0% | 1.8% | 1.9% |
| Inflation Rate Canada | 2.4% | 2.5% | 2.0% |
| Retail Sales ($ Millions) | 50,318 | 53,172 | 55,528 |
| Percentage Change | 6.6% | 5.7% | 4.4% |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.9% | 5.7% | 5.9% |
| Unemployment Rate Canada | 6.7% | 6.7% | 6.9% |
| Employment (000s) | 2,129 | 2,177 | 2,216 |
| Percentage Change | 3.3% | 2.3% | 1.8% |
| Average Weekly Wages ($) | 698.4 | 724.1 | 748.3 |
| Percentage Change | 3.2% | 3.7% | 2.7% |
| Housing Starts (Number of Units) | 34,667 | 31,805 | 30,864 |
| Percentage Change | 5.3% | -8.3% | -3.0% |
Source: Conference Board of Canada Metropolitan Outlook (Winter 2006) |
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| 2003 | 2004 | Percent Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | 7,915 | 9,757 | 30.3% |
| Mineral Fuels & Oils | 4,849 | 4,522 | 14.0% |
| Woodpulp | 2,801 | 3,034 | 9.4% |
| Paper & Paperboard | 1,893 | 1,936 | 6.0% |
| Machinery | 1,300 | 1,480 | 4.6% |
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Source: International Trade Canada, Provincial Pocket Facts - November 2005 |
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