Unemployment rises in northeast BC in July

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Unemployment in northeast BC rose from 6.1 per cent to 6.3 per cent in July, according to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada.

37,000 people were employed in the northeast during July, down from 38,200 in June.

In July 2023, there were 36,200 people employed, and the unemployment rate sat at 5.2 per cent.

The unemployment rate provincially also rose last month to 5.6 per cent, up from 5.3 per cent in June.

The most significant job increase was in the construction sector, with 6,000 new hires.

“With challenges affecting our province as well as the national and global economies, B.C. is taking action to build an economy with good job opportunities today and for our kids and grandkids so they can build a good life here,” said Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey.

Bailey also celebrated the health care and social assistance and agriculture sectors, which both also saw increases.

Meanwhile, the wholesale and retail trade sector saw the most significant decrease, with 19,300 lost jobs.

The national unemployment rate remains unchanged from June, at 6.4 per cent.