Northeast B.C. unemployment rate increase in April

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northeast B.C. saw a slight increase in unemployment in April.

The region reported a 6.3 per cent unemployment rate, a 1 per cent increase from March.

April 2023 was the third time in seven months that northeast B.C. has been able to report an unemployment rate. The rates were previously too low to report due to confidentiality requirements.

There were 34,500 northeast B.C. residents employed in April 2023, an increase of 600 compared to March. In April, there were approximately 2,300 people without work in the northeast.

In April 2022, there were 36,200 people employed in the region, which reported an unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent.

B.C.’s unemployment rate was 5 per cent in April, a slight increase from March. During the same time in 2022, the unemployment rate was also 5 per cent.

“While B.C.’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.0 per cent, this is still below average and is a clear indication that more people are looking for work,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. 

“This is good news for businesses that have felt the effects of global labour shortages.”

The most significant job loss was in the information, culture and recreation sector, of -12,300.

The most significant job increase was in the accommodation and food services sector, with 9,700 more people employed in April.

“We know there are challenges ahead for the global economy, and we will continue to be nimble as we navigate changing circumstances,” Bailey said.

“That’s why we are continuing to support people and build resilient, diverse communities as we build a strong and sustainable economy that works for everyone.”

Nationally, the jobless rate decreased to 5.3 per cent.