More people in Prince George were employed last month, according to new data released today (Jan. 8).
Statistics Canada says the northern capital recorded an unemployment rate of 7.6 per cent last month, a notable drop from 8.1 per cent in November.
However, B.C. as a whole saw a slight increase going from 7.1 per cent in November to 7.2 in December.
#Employment fell by 63,000 (-0.3%) in December—the first decline since April. The unemployment rate was 8.6%, essentially unchanged from the 8.5% recorded in November. https://t.co/ellp6hVAkV #CdnEcon pic.twitter.com/lcdOuzTm8u
— Statistics Canada (@StatCan_eng) January 8, 2021
"Across Canada, we are seeing the impacts of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic," B.C. Jobs, Economy Recovery and Innovation Minister Ravi Kahlon said in a statement.
"B.C.'s economy has bucked the trend with modest gains adding 3,800 jobs, but we are not out of the woods as daily COVID-19 cases remain high.
"B.C.'s total employment has now bounced back to 98.7 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but certain sectors like tourism and hospitality are still struggling. We are also seeing disproportionate impacts on people of colour who are both business owners and employees.
"There is reason for hope in the long term as independent economists predict B.C. will lead all provinces with the highest gross domestic product growth in 2021 and the lowest unemployment - but only if we are successful in bending the curve and reducing transmission."
The province saw employment loss in accommodation and food services, but increases in construction.
Canada also saw a small increase last month compared to November recording an unemployment rate of 8.6 per cent in December compared to 8.5 per cent the month before.
This was the first time employment declined since April.
As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise across the country, Canadians working from home last month reached 28.6 per cent.
There were declines nationally in accommodation and food services, other services and information, culture and recreation industries, largely a result of public health orders.
Retail trade employment rose by 19,000 jobs (+0.9 per cent) last month, but was slightly lower than gains made in October (+1.4 per cent) and November (1.5 per cent).
More people were also hired in professional, scientific and technical services by adding 17,000 jobs in December (+1 per cent). Compared to February of last year, last month was a 4.8 per cent gain.
B.C. statistics for employment in December. By Statistics Canada
