Prince George’s unemployment rate jumped 0.7 percentage points in November, up to 4.2 per cent from 3.5 per cent in October.
The city’s unemployment rate was still more than a full percentage point lower than in November 2021, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Friday, when unemployment stood at 5.4 per cent in Prince George.
Prince George’s unemployment rate was lower than the B.C average of 4.4 per cent and national average of 5.1 per cent in November.
"As we near the end of 2022, British Columbia saw a gain of 8,800 full-time jobs in November, even as B.C. saw an overall decline in jobs (-13,700, 0.5%) driven by losses in part-time positions,” B.C. Jobs Minster Ravi Kahlon said in a statement released on Friday. “Despite global economic uncertainty, B.C. continues to be well-positioned among our provincial and territorial peers with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada (4.4%), near historic lows for B.C.”
A total of 52,900 people were holding down jobs in Prince George in November, compared to 54,600 in October. The number of people actively seeking work increased 2,300, up from 2,000 the previous month.
The city’s labour force participation rate, the percentage of working-age adults working or actively seeking work, declined from 68.1 per cent in October to 66.4 per cent in November. In November 2021, the city’s labour force participation rate stood at 67.8 per cent.
"Despite the challenges that have come our way, B.C. has experienced a faster economic recovery than private- or public-sector economists initially forecasted - setting us up in the best possible way as we move forward,” Kahlon said. "I want to acknowledge the continued resilience of British Columbians during tough global economic times, which has shone through in the determination of people and businesses during the past year. Because of their drive and our work together, B.C. is well-positioned to navigate whatever lies ahead."
