British Columbia added 6,200 jobs in November, according to the latest report from Statistics Canada.
B.C.’s unemployment rate declined to 6.4 per cent, from 6.6 per cent in October.
The province saw the largest job gains in agriculture and utilities, along with the professional, scientific and technical services sector.
Meanwhile, there was a loss of 6,800 jobs among finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing. The transportation and warehousing sector also shed 3,300 jobs.
B.C.’s youth unemployment rate fell 2.4 points to 12.5 per cent. It follows a national trend, marking the first increase in employment for youth since the start of the year.
Canada’s economy added 54,000 jobs in November, largely driven by gains in part-time work. The national unemployment rate edged down slightly to 6.5 per cent.
B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said the numbers show the province’s economy is holding steady, despite global uncertainty and U.S. tariffs.
“Over the past 12 months, B.C. has added 40,400 new jobs, led by gains in manufacturing and construction. This demonstrates the work we’re doing to build the infrastructure needed to keep up with the growth of our province,” said Kahlon.
Gavin Dew, Conservative MLA for Kelowna-Mission and critic for small business and innovation, notes the unemployment rate among women rose in November and remains higher than the overall rate.
The StatCan report says unemployment among women aged 15 and up rose to 6.7 per cent in November, up 0.6 per cent from the previous month.
“When the people who keep households running are falling behind, that is not a comeback. Insecurity is spreading,” said Dew.
He also pointed to recent disruptions in the forests sector, including the planned closure of the Crofton pulp mill early next year, which is expected to affect about 350 workers.
“Lower perceived job security, combined with low business confidence, means we are heading into the Christmas season with families feeling less stable, not more,” said Dew.
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