0

Kelowna unemployment edges up in December

Employment steady across B.C., much of Canada

Kelowna’s unemployment rate edged up in December to 5.1 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.

In its monthly labour force survey, data shows the city’s unemployment rate climbed from 4.4 per cent in November. It comes as fewer people are both working and looking for work.

In British Columbia, employment essentially held steady for a sixth consecutive month, with unemployment down to 5.3 per cent from 5.6 the month prior.

“The recent severe flooding affecting the southwest region of the province occurred just after the end of the November reference week and, by December, the region was in early reconstruction,” the report said.

Gains earlier in 2021 lifted employment in the province 56,000 above its February 2020 level, according to the national agency.

In a statement, Jobs, Economic and Recovery Minister Ravi Kahlon said employment is now 102.1 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

“It is fair to say that we're all exhausted by the pandemic, but unfortunately the pandemic is not done with us. The Omicron variant is challenging people and businesses throughout B.C., across Canada and around the world,” he said. “Our government remains committed to supporting businesses as we navigate these difficult times.”

Across the country, the economy added 55,000 jobs last month. This pushed the unemployment rate to 5.9 per cent from 6.0 in November 2021.

In December, employment increased in Ontario and Saskatchewan, while it fell in Newfoundland and Labrador. There was little change in all other provinces.

The report was based on survey results done during the week of Dec. 5 to 11, before public health restrictions were put in place across much of the country to slow the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

Published 2022-01-07 by Tyler Marr

Get a fresh daily look

See what’s happening in and around our city, and the people who call it home.

Our newsroom abides by the RTNDA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and follows the Canadian Press Stylebook. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to send us a news tip, please contact us.

Kelowna10 is division of Pattison Media, and strives to achieve the highest ethical standards in all that we do.