The Kootenays saw a year-over-year decline in unemployment rates between 2024 and 2025, but a slight rise between February and March.
Statistics Canada says the Kootenays had a 5.7 per cent unemployment rate in March 2025, compared to seven per cent in March 2024.
However, March saw a slight rise from the 4.4 per cent unemployment rate in February.
Province-wide, Labour Force Survey data shows B.C. held a relatively stable job market with some slight growth.
“While the national trend is down, B.C. held steady with a small increase of 5,700 jobs compared to last month, with the highest increase in full-time employment among provinces at 10,000,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
“So far this year, B.C. has gained 35,400 full-time jobs, the highest increase among provinces.”
Participation rates, the percentage of the population within working age (15 and up), have dropped in the Kootenays, from 64.2 per cent in March 2024 to 57.2 per cent in March 2025.
While current numbers show steady, slow growth, Gibson says the province is doing what it can to protect the labour market in the face of the shaky relationship between Canada and the United States.
“As British Columbians braced themselves for another week of uncertainty from the United States, our government continues to stand strong for people, take action and defend our jobs,” said Gibson.
“Advancing our trade and investment opportunities on this global stage will open new markets for B.C.’s economy to grow and prosper, and create new jobs for people in British Columbia.”
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