PG’s unemployment rate drops to 6.9% in November

The jobless mark in Prince George saw some noticeable improvement in November according to Stats Canada.

Our unemployment rate came in at 6.9% last month, a drop of over two points when compared to October (9.2%).

Labour Division analyst, Vince Ferrao told MyPGNow.com compared to the summer, there are a lot more people in the workforce locally.

“There were 51,400 people employed and that compares to 53,000 a year ago.”

“Employment has increased slightly since the summer. When we look at August we only had 48,100 people working. We are now up to over 51,400.”

BC’s unemployment rate saw a small decline last month going from 6.6% in October to 6.4 – the fourth lowest among the province trailing Quebec (5.1), Saskatchewan (5.6%) and Manitoba (6.1%).

Canada added 54-thousand jobs in November as the nation’s jobless mark came in at 6.5% – a decline of nearly a half point from October (6.9%).

B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Khalon issued the following statement:

“Here in B.C., and around the world, we’re living in uncertain times, especially in our forestry sector. Tariffs from the United States are causing havoc, and it’s never been more important to make sure we’re doing everything possible to strengthen, diversify and grow our economy to protect the jobs that people rely on.

“Today’s Labour Force Survey numbers for November show that, despite ongoing challenges, B.C.’s economy is holding steady, with 6,200 jobs added in the past month. This reflects the resilience of our people and our economy, and reinforces our commitment to continue supporting innovation, skills training and sector growth to weather global challenges and create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

“Over the past 12 months, B.C.’s 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.

“B.C. is also leading the way in women’s full-time employment, with the highest increase in Canada this month, adding 22,000 jobs. In addition, B.C. has gained 15,700 jobs in youth employment, the second-highest increase in Canada.

“Our unemployment rate improved slightly to 6.4%, the fourth-lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.5%.

“British Columbia continues to lead the country with the second-highest average hourly wage among provinces. 

“Last month, our government launched our Look West jobs plan to rise to the challenges brought on by U.S. tariffs by setting a 10-year vision to strengthen B.C.’s economy, including continuing work to speed up permitting and diversify key sectors, so B.C.’s economy is less reliant on the United States. This work includes the North Coast Transmission Line, which will create 10,000 good-paying jobs and is one of four projects on the federal government’s list of major projects.

“In B.C., we know what it takes to succeed. We have outperformed economically time and time again. This strategy leverages B.C.’s strengths and ongoing work to be the economic engine of Canada, lead on nation-building major projects, create good jobs and skills-training opportunities for people, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future.

“B.C. has the resources Canada and the world need, the infrastructure and coastal ports to deliver them to market, and the skilled people and regulatory framework to complete major projects, which will drive our economy forward and create good jobs people can rely on.”

Here is full breakdown of all the provinces:

• Quebec 5.1%
• Saskatchewan 5.6%
• Manitoba 6.1%
• British Columbia 6.4%
• Alberta 6.5%
• New Brunswick 6.6%
• Nova Scotia 6.7%
• Ontario 7.3%
• Prince Edward Island 7.7%
• Newfoundland and Labrador 10.4%