Northwest British Columbia’s labour market slowed significantly over the past year, according to BC Check-Up: Work, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. The region’s unemployment rate rose to 7.4 per cent in November 2025, up from 5.2 per cent in November 2024.
A total of 39,900 people were employed in the region, representing a decline of 13.3 per cent, or roughly 6,100 workers. Full-time positions accounted for the majority of the loss, while part-time employment also fell. As a result, the employment rate dropped to 57.3 per cent.
The services sector experienced the largest contraction, shedding 8,100 jobs, or nearly 23 per cent of its workforce. Almost every services industry lost workers, except for accommodation and food services, which added 2,200 jobs, more than doubling its employment.
Conversely, the goods-producing sector grew, adding 2,100 workers, with construction and manufacturing seeing significant gains. Natural resources employment, however, fell by nearly 40 per cent.
CPAs note that the slowdown reflects the completion of major construction projects, though opportunities for further economic growth remain. All four of B.C.’s projects referred to the federal Major Projects Office are located in the Northwest, highlighting continued development potential while emphasizing environmental considerations and long-term benefits for local communities and First Nations.
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