Regional unemployment on the decline, but rising in B.C., Canada

Sep 5, 2025 | 3:00 PM

The economic region that includes Vernon and the surrounding area saw employment figures improve in August.

Statistics Canada said the unadjusted unemployment rate for the Thompson-Okanagan region was 5.1 per cent in the most recent reporting month.

That was down from the rate of 5.4 per cent in July, and from the 5.8 per cent rate recorded in August of 2024.

Meanwhile, the regional unadjusted employment rate was recorded at 58.5 per cent this past August.

That was up from July’s employment rate of 57 per cent, as well as up from the 56.9 per cent employment rate the previous August.

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StatsCan did not provide data specific for Vernon, but did have Kelowna’s figures.

The Central Okanagan city had an adjusted employment rate of 4.1 per cent in August, and an employment rate of 59.2 per cent.

Those were improved from July’s rates of 4.7 per cent unemployed and 55.4 per cent employed.

Though the regional and local labour force statistics improved, that wasn’t the case for all of the province.

StatsCan said B.C.’s adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 per cent in August, up from 5.9 per cent the month prior.

The provincial employment rate also fell slightly from 61 per cent in July to 60.6 per cent in August.

Despite the rise in unemployment, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, said there were some promising moves in certain industries in August.

“[The] Labour Force Survey numbers for August show an increase of 11,400 jobs in construction and 5,700 in manufacturing, which is in line with our ongoing commitment to investing in the key infrastructure people rely on,” Kahlon said.

“Private-sector jobs increased in August by 3,700. Compared to this time last year, B.C. has gained 13,700 private-sector jobs.

“Overall, B.C.’s total employment decreased by 15,700 (-0.5%) in August, including a decrease of 10,500 in educational services, which is typical in summer months, and is expected to rebound in September. Year over year, B.C. has gained 26,900 jobs compared to August 2024.”

The province also noted that B.C. had the fourth lowest unemployment rate of any province after Saskatchewan (4.7 per cent), Manitoba (5.7), and Quebec (6.0).

StatsCan figures also showed some declines in the national labour force.

As a whole, Canada’s unemployment rate was recorded at 7.1 per cent in August. That was up from the 6.9 per cent rate recorded the month before.

The national employment rate also dipped slightly from 60.7 per cent in July to 60.5 per cent in August.

The data collection agency said the employment decline “was mostly in part-time work,” adding “full-time employment was little changed” on a month-to-month basis.

by Liam Verster

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