It's not good news for employment in Prince George.
According to new statistics released by Stats Canada today (Sept. 6), the unemployment rate in August jumped to 4.9 per cent compared to July when the rate was 4.3 per cent.
The increase comes as the forestry industry is in a downfall with numerous curtailments and closures of sawmills and pulp mills.
B.C. sadly lost their two-year run as the province with the lowest unemployment rate nationally.
Quebec took over the top spot with an employment rate of 4.7 per cent while B.C. came in at 5 per cent.
It's the first time Quebec has had the lowest unemployment rate since data was available in 1976.
The unemployment rate for the country didn't change in August, remaining at 5.7 per cent.
Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick all recorded employment increases last month.
Specifically, there were more employed in finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, educational services and in professional, scientific, and technical services.
Employment decreased in business, building, and other support services.
Business, building, and other support services slipped backwards, down 22,000 jobs, which was mainly the result in Ontario and B.C.
The province did though lead increases in the professional, scientific and technical services.
