Northeast B.C. unemployment rate drops significantly in October

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The unemployment rate for northeast B.C. dropped by over a full percentage point in October despite a decrease in the number of residents employed.

The region reported a jobless rate of 5.1 per cent in October compared to 6.3 per cent in September.

There were 37,100 people employed last month in northeast B.C., 200 less than in September.

In October 2022, there were 38,500 people employed in the region, and the unemployment rate was too low to report.

B.C.’s unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent in October, a slight drop compared to September at 5.6 per cent.

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, says B.C. has the second-highest increase in full-time employment among provinces this month, with a gain of 23,400.

“So far this year, B.C. has added 47,300 jobs, and ]our unemployment rate remains] the fourth-lowest among provinces,” said Bailey.

“Private-sector employment increased by 3,700 and self-employment increased by 2,900. So far this year, B.C.’s number of self-employed is up by 38,100, ranking first among all provinces.”

Nationally, the jobless rate rose by 0.2 percentage points to 5.7 per cent, marking the fourth monthly increase in the past six months.