Jobs in BC the Focus of New CKNW News Talk Series 'Putting BC to Work': An Unprecedented Look at BC's Economic Future and Employment Landscape

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 1, 2014) - Finding and landing jobs in BC remains an ongoing challenge and indicator of the future employment landscape in BC. In March 2014, Statistics Canada reported that over 10,000 jobs were lost in BC and the unemployment rate continues to sit at 6.4%, which is significantly higher than Alberta at 4.3% and Saskatchewan at 3.9%. For this reason, Vancouver-based Corus Entertainment station, CKNW News Talk AM 980 has launched a groundbreaking series, 'Putting BC to Work', which will develop a dialogue around the employment landscape in BC - focusing both on the current state of affairs, as well as the economic outlook for years to come. 'Putting BC to Work' will run on-air March 31 - April 27, 2014 and provide British Columbians and the business community with an unprecedented opportunity to access and engage in conversation about the provincial job market.

"Being on the frontlines of business, economic and political talk in BC, we continually hear questions, concerns and ideas around employment from our listeners and that served to inspire and guide the 'Putting BC to Work' series'," explains Ian Koenigsfest, Brand Director AM Programming at Corus Radio Vancouver.

"Ultimately we want to provide our audience with a clearer vision of their place in BC's economic future and hope that together, along with our line up of guests, we will uncover the facts, challenge opinions and listen to the stories that paint a picture of British Columbia's outlook."

Through 'Putting BC to Work', CKNW will provide unique and customized programs throughout a four-week campaign. Topics for 'Putting BC to Work' will include themes related to finding jobs in BC and forecasting the job market and impact on the provincial economy. Renowned CKNW hosts will interview and facilitate discussion and public participation with a lineup of some of the province's most influential business and economic leaders. As sneak peek at the series includes:

March 31 - April 6, 2014 - The present landscape of job creation in BC

This week will look at trends, opportunities and challenges to job growth in BC, considering various industries and regions of the province. Guests will reveal hot spots for employment in mining, forestry, construction, technology, etc. across the province and discuss which parts of the economy are growing or slowing.

April 7 - April 13, 2014 - Skills, training, education and recruitment

This week will focus on the economic and employment readiness of British Columbians - both young and old. Skills shortage, skills gap, human capital, labour shortage - these are common themes we keep hearing - but what do they mean? And want is the Provincial Government, educational institutions, high schools, and local companies doing to address these issues?

April 14 - April 20, 2014 - Innovation and growth

BC is known internationally as a technology hub, where job creation and revenues fall just behind Silicon Valley in California and Silicon Alley in New York. Programming and guests this week will focus the tech sector's effects on BC's economy - through revenue generation, jobs, as well as a spotlight healthcare, education, energy, communication and transportation companies and organizations that have found success.

April 21 - April 27, 2014 - International job markets and their effects on BC

During the final week, focus will be shifted to examine the relationship between BC and some of its premier international trading partners, specifically in Asia. The impact of international business on the local job markets will be investigated and success stories will be shared from BC companies doing a large percentage of business abroad. CKNW host, Bill Good will travel and broadcast throughout the week from key markets in Asia.

For more information on 'Putting BC to Work' or to listen live, visit http://www.cknw.com/putbctowork/. Join the conversation on Twitter using the Hashtag #putbctowork.

About CKNW News Talk AM 980

CKNW News Talk AM 980 delivers hard-hitting, insightful news and commentary and has been instrumental in defining public opinion in British Columbia for generations of listeners. CKNW News Talk AM 980 is Vancouver's sounding board - a daily town hall meeting where newsmakers and listeners converge.

The station's key personalities include world-class journalist Philip Till, anchor of The CKNW Morning News, the most tuned to morning show in Vancouver, followed by one of British Columbia's most popular radio programs The Bill Good Show, The Simi Sara Show, The World Today with Jon McComb, The Shift with Mike Eckford and Sports Weekend with Brook Ward.