Northeast B.C.’s unemployment rate too low to report in November

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northeast B.C’s unemployment rate was too low to report in November, marking the second time in 2023.

There were 37,600 northeast B.C. residents employed in November, an increase of 500 jobs from October.

In November 2022, there were 37,700 people employed in the region, and the unemployment rate was too low to record.

According to Statistics Canada, unemployment data in the region was “suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act.” In 2022, the unemployment rate was too low to report seven times in northeast B.C.

B.C.’s unemployment rate was 4.9 per cent in November, a slight drop compared to October at 5.2 per cent.

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, says B.C. gained 9,000 jobs in November.

“So far this year, B.C. has added 56,300 jobs. B.C.’s unemployment rate is 5.3 per cent, one of the lowest among provinces and below the national average (5.8 per cent),” Bailey said.

“This past month, B.C. had the highest private-sector job growth among provinces, with 25,500 new private-sector jobs. Self-employment decreased in November, although so far this year, B.C.’s self-employment is up by 17,100, ranking first among all provinces.”

The most significant job loss was in the professional, scientific and technical services sector, with 17,700 fewer people employed in November.

The most significant job increase was in the healthcare and social assistance sector, with 11,700 more people employed. 

Nationally, the jobless rate dropped to 5.3 per cent.