Northwest B.C. unemployment rate holds steady through October

The jobless mark for October in northwest B.C. is on par with September.

That’s according to the latest Labour Force Survey from Stats Canada.

“The unemployment rate came in at 6.7 per cent,” said Analyst Vincent Ferrao.

“That’s the same as the rate for September however compared to October 2024, the rate was higher at 7.3 per cent.”

Last month’s number equated to about 3,000 people compared to 3,500 in 2024.

October also recorded over 40,300 people working which is slightly down compared to September at 40,500.

Last year, the number was 45,900.

“In the labour force, the participation rate fell. It’s at about 62 per cent of the working age population,” said Ferrao.

He added the main employment declines were felt in the transportation and warehousing, and forestry industries.

The construction and manufacturing industries saw increased employment through October.

The provincial rate was 6.6 per cent last month, fourth lowest in the country, with the federal rate dropping 0.2 per cent to 6.9.

Here is full breakdown of all the provinces:

• Quebec 5.3%
• Saskatchewan 5.5%
• Manitoba 5.8%
• British Columbia 6.6%
• Nova Scotia 6.7%
• Ontario 7.6%
• Alberta 7.8%
• New Brunswick 7.9%
• Prince Edward Island 8.5%
• Newfoundland and Labrador 10.1%