Unemployment rate continues to rise in Northeast B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The unemployment rate rose from 5.7 to 6.9 per cent in northeast B.C. last month, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

There were 37,900 northeast B.C. residents employed in March, down from 38,000 in February.

In March 2023, 33,900 people were employed in the region, and the unemployment rate was 5.3 per cent.

The provincial unemployment rate also rose to 5.5 per cent in March, up from 5.2 per cent in February.

The largest job increase was in the healthcare and social services sector, with 10,300 new hires.

“When we look at today’s Labour Force Survey data, it’s encouraging to see increases in health care and social assistance, given B.C.’s Health Human Resources strategy, which is taking action to recruit, train and retain the healthcare workers people need,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. 

“B.C. and Ontario were the only provinces with job gains in March,” Bailey added. “B.C.’s unemployment rate is 5.5 per cent, the fourth-lowest among provinces and below the national average.”

Bailey also celebrated growth in the construction industry, commemorating Construction and Skilled Trades Month in April.

“So far this year, employment in construction increased by 900 jobs,” she says. “Employment and payroll data shows that B.C.’s construction jobs have grown by 36,800 since July 2017.”

Meanwhile, the educational services sector lost 9,300 workers, the most significant decrease.

The national unemployment rate increased to 6.1 per cent, up from 5.8 per cent.