Unemployment in northwest B.C. rose in June compared to a year ago.
Statistics Canada said the rate recorded was 7.4 per cent, one point higher than June 2025.
“In June, there were 3,400 people unemployed, which was 500 people more than in the previous year,” said Analyst Julian Alvarez.
About 43,000 people were employed that month, 300 more compared to 2025.
“There were employment gains in full time, however, there were less part time jobs when compared to a year previous,” said Alvarez.
The main industries that saw increases were wholesale and retail trade (17.7 per cent), construction (30.3 per cent), and manufacturing (24.2 per cent).
Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, and oil saw an decrease of about 53.8 per cent.
Provincially, the unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 per cent in June to 6.5, but still up by 0.8 per cent compared to a year before.
A similar trend was seen federally, dropping to 6.5 per cent, down by 0.1 compared to may and 0.4 year over year.
Here is a provincial break down:
- Manitoba – 5.4 per cent
- Quebec – 5.4 per cent
- Saskatchewan– 6.1 per cent
- British Columbia– 6.5 per cent
- Nova Scotia– 6.5 per cent
- Ontario – 7.0 per cent
- Alberta – 7.0 per cent
- New Brunswick– 7.3 per cent
- Prince Edward Island – 7.6 per cent
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 8.2 per cent
