In possibly the worst instance of timing ever, B.C. slashes 11,700 'unsustainable' public service positions. In December 2001, BC's unemployment rate was 9.7%. That's 1.7% higher than the national average.

A labour force that's already heavily looking for work will not be helped by a larger pool of unemployed workers as competition, combined with a now smaller pool of available positions.

Campbell, the premier of British Columbia claims that this move was made to help the BC Economy. The opposite effect will take place, as a greater strain is placed on the government with increased UI spending, and a much smaller amount of money flowing into the general economy due to nearly 12,000 less potential consumers.