Unemployment in the Kootenays stood at 6.3 per cent in October, up from 5.2 per cent at the same time last year.
Statistics Canada says the population, the number of people working, and the number of people looking for work in the region all grew year-over-year.
In October 2024, there were 85,400 people employed and 4,700 people job hunting in the Kootenays out of a population of 148,900. In October 2025, there were 87,300 working and 5,900 seeking work out of a population of 150,600.
The local jobless rate remains lower than the provincial rate of 6.5 per cent and the national rate of 6.9 per cent.
Across the country, StatsCan says another 67,000 jobs were created last month. Growth was concentrated among men aged 25 to 54 and youth 15 to 24.
More people were working in wholesale and retail; transportation and warehousing; information, culture, and recreation; and utilities. Fewer people were working in construction.
Average hourly wages were up 3.5 per cent year-over-year, to $37.06.
