CPABC: Northwest B.C. labour force shrinks, as services-producing industries shed workers in 2025
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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentSMITHERS, British Columbia, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to BC Check-Up: Work, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on labour market trends across the province, the unemployment rate in Northwest B.C. was 7.4 per cent in November 2025, up from 5.2 per cent one year earlier.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle content“We did see an uptick in unemployment and fewer people working,” noted Jeanne MacNeil, CPA, CA, partner at Edmison Mehr Chartered Professional Accountants. “The labour market really slowed down this year in the Northwest.”Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentThere were 39,900 Northwest B.C. residents who were working in November 2025, representing a year-over-year decline of 13.3 per cent (-6,100 workers). A reduction in full-time work (-5,300 workers; -13.8 per cent) accounted for the bulk of the decline, while the number of part-time workers also trended lower. As a result, the region’s employment rate fell 8.7 percentage points to 57.3 per cent.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“With construction wrapping on some of the largest major projects, demand for services that supported that construction has waned,” added MacNeil. “There is still a lot of opportunity for further economic development.”Article contentNorthwest B.C.’s services sector lost 8,100 workers (-22.9 per cent) between November 2024 and November 2025. Nearly every industry in the sector experienced a decline in headcount, except accommodation and food services where employment more than doubled during the year (+2,200 workers; +137.5 per cent).Article contentMeanwhile, the region’s goods sector employed 12,600 people after adding 2,100 workers (+20.0 per cent) in the 12 months ending in November 2025. The construction (+2,000 workers; +66.7 per cent) and manufacturing (+1,500 workers; +53.6 per cent) industries both expanded, while natural resources employment declined by 1,400 workers (-38.9 per cent).Article contentArticle content“All four of B.C.’s projects that have been referred to the federal Major Projects Office are in our region. There is an obvious appetite to keep developing in Northwest B.C,” concluded MacNeil. “Environmental impacts need to be considered, and it’s integral that the investments lead to long-term benefits, both economic and otherwise, to the communities and First Nations living here.”Article contentTo learn more, visit www.bccpa.caArticle content‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾About CPA British ColumbiaArticle contentThe Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA candidates and students. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentCPABC Media Team news@bccpa.caArticle contentTrending Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Welcome to the K-shaped economy: Canadians look back on a 'brutal,' 'great' year in Trump's trade war Economy Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. 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