Kootenay unemployment rate falls to 4.6%

The local jobless rate continues to drop.

Statistics Canada says it stood at 4.6 per cent in June, down from 5.2 per cent in May, and down from 6.3 per cent in June 2025.

Out of an estimated population of 151,100, about 88,100 people were working and another 4,200 were looking for work. At the same time last year, the population was pegged at 150,100 with 84,700 employed and 5,700 job seeking.

The local rate was also lower than the national rate of 6.5 per cent, which declined from 6.6 per cent in May.

StatsCan says employment was up among youth and those aged 25 to 54 but fell among those aged 55 and up.

The youth unemployment rate in June stood at 12.7 per cent. For women ages 25 to 54 the rate was 5.5 per cent and for men in the same age bracket it was 5.7 per cent. For those 55 and older, the rate was 5.2 per cent.

Employment increased in accommodation and food services while it decreased in manufacturing, agriculture and utilities.

Average hourly wages were up 3.3 per cent to $37.20 year-over-year.

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