Last month unemployment in the city reached the lowest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but remained higher than the same time a year ago.
Prince George's unemployment rate stood at 8.1 per cent in November, down from 9.5 per cent in October. It's the lowest level seen in the city since February, when unemployment was at 7.6 per cent.
The city's unemployment rate this year peaked at 11.8 per cent in May, and has hovered just below 10 per cent since July.
While a marked improvement from earlier this year, unemployment in the city was still higher than the same time last year. In November 2019, the city's unemployment rate stood at 6.4 per cent.
The labour force participation rate – the number of working-age adults working or actively seeking work – was up from November 2019. Last month 72.4 per cent of working-age adults were in the labour force, compared with 70.1 per cent in November 2019.
In November there were roughly 49,000 people working and 4,300 looking for work, compared to 48,000 people working and 3,300 looking in November 2019.
In a statement issued on Friday, B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said the province's economy is showing signs of recovery.
"The Labour Force Survey for November showed B.C.'s economy continuing its upward swing, with another 23,900 jobs gained throughout the province," Kahlon said. "Additionally, B.C.'s unemployment rate has fallen to 7.1 (per cent), well below the national average of 8.5 (per cent)."
Employment in the province is at 98.5 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, the strongest jobs recovery rate amongst Canada's four largest provinces.
"However, we know there are businesses still struggling and it's going to be many months before vaccines can get to everyone in British Columbia," Kahlon said. "Until then, we are focused on building a foundation of recovery that works for everyone in this province."
