Unemployment fell through September across northwest B.C. to 6.4 per cent.
According to Statistics Canada, that is compared to 6.8 per cent in August and 6.7 per cent a year prior.
“Around 3,000 people were unemployed during the month and this was an increase of around 100 people compared to the previous month,” said Analyst Julian Alvarez.
About 43,600 people were employed in September, about 200 fewer than August and 3,100 more than a year ago.
The main industries seeing employment hits were forestry, fishing, mining, and oil and gas.
“The largest we saw in public administration, we saw a decline of 1,100 employees year over year,” said Alvarez.
Increases were felt in wholesale and retail trade (up by 3,300 people) and educational services (up by 800 people).
Provincially, the unemployment rate fell 0.1 per cent from August to 6.4.
The national rate rose slightly to 6.5 per cent per cent in September after it was 6.4 in August.
Below is a breakdown of all provinces:
- Manitoba – 5.0 per cent
- Saskatchewan– 5.4 per cent
- Quebec– 6.0 per cent
- Nova Scotia – 6.3 per cent
- BC/Alberta – 6.4 per cent
- Ontario – 7.0 per cent
- Prince Edward Island – 7.3 per cent
- New Brunswick – 7.4 per cent
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 9.1 per cent
