Strength and Growth in B.C. Spells Opportunity for Job Seekers
Every year the Vancouver Sun compiles and releases its lists of B.C.’s Top 100 Companies. In essence, these are two lists of publicly traded companies — one highlighting the 100 strongest companies, and the other the 100 fastest growing companies. For job seekers, this is a wealth of information when looking for new career opportunities.
With a provincial economy that is largely dominated by the resource sector, it is not surprising that the mining industry holds a formidable position in both the strongest and fastest growing categories. There has been a big recovery in mining, particularly in gold mining, as this has become a more stable “currency” during the global recession. Other precious metals, such as copper, silver and platinum as well as coal and other consumable fuels also significantly contribute to the local economy. In fact, mining firms make up 26 of the top 50 strongest companies and 27 of the top 50 fastest growing companies. Looking at the top winners in each category:
Top 5 Strongest Companies in B.C.
- Red Back Mining Inc. (acquired by Kinross Gold Corporation)
- First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
- Eldorado Gold Corp.
- Westshore Terminals Income Fund
- Lululemon Athletica Inc.
Top 5 Fastest-Growing Companies in B.C.
- Cardiome Pharma Corp.
- SouthGobi Resources Limited
- Aura Minerals Inc.
- New Gold, Inc.
- Taiga Building Products
Other notable members of the strongest and/or fastest-growing companies lists include Telus, Canaccord, Lions Gate Entertainment, Peer 1 and Absolute Software. Highly well-known and respected in the economy and job market, these companies typically have a large number of job applicants due to their reputation and brand name.
For the strategic job seeker, targeting the mining community and other strong or fast-growing firms is a sound approach. While some may not be household names, they have proven to be in either a favourable position financially, with strong total assets, market capitalization and net income; or in a position of growth with strong employee growth, stock performance and earnings. Both scenarios spell opportunity for job seekers. Look for job postings from several of these companies on BCjobs.ca
Related to B.C.’s Top 100 Companies:
