As of November 2024, British Columbia’s labour market exhibited stability with a working population of 2,830,700, unchanged from October. The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 5.7%, positioning B.C. with the second-lowest rate among provinces and below the national average of 6.8%.
Industry Highlights:
Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Quarrying, Oil and Gas: Employment remained stable with a slight annual decrease of 0.8% (-400 jobs). Tolko announced temporary mill shutdowns during the winter holidays due to high fiber costs, adverse weather, and weak market conditions, affecting operations in multiple locations.
Construction: The sector experienced a 6.1% annual employment increase (+14,100 jobs). Barkerville Gold Mines received an operating permit for the Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells, expected to employ approximately 634 workers during construction starting in the latter half of 2025. Additionally, the federal government is investing over $574 million to construct around 950 rental homes across four projects in Vancouver.
Health Care and Social Assistance: Employment rose by 4.3% (+16,700 jobs) compared to November 2023. The new Ksyen Regional Hospital opened in Terrace, offering enhanced healthcare services. In Kamloops, a temporary 44-bed emergency shelter operated by ASK Wellness was approved, providing Indigenous supports and mobile health clinic services, with provincial funding through March 31, 2026.
Regional Unemployment Rates:
Lowest: Kootenay at 3.6%
Highest: Lower Mainland–Southwest at 6.0%
These figures reflect a stable labour market in British Columbia, with notable growth in construction and healthcare sectors, despite challenges in the natural resources industry.
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