Business

B.C. loses more than 20,000 jobs in September as unemployment rate stays steady

Economy Emily Joveski - October 9, 2026

British Columbia lost more than 20,000 jobs in September, sparking a political clash over the province’s economic direction.

Kootenay unemployment rate dips to 4.9% in September

Labour My Kootenay Now - October 9, 2026

The jobless rate in the Kootenays stood at 4.9 per cent in September, down from 5.8 per cent the previous month and six per cent a year earlier.

Kootenay-Boundary real estate sales rise 9.1% in September

Real Estate My Kootenay Now - October 6, 2026

According to the Association of Interior Realtors, 253 residential properties changed hands, which was down from 274 in August.

LNG Canada approves more than $30B Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat

Business Emily Joveski - September 29, 2026

LNG Canada is moving ahead with a $33-billion Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat, doubling the facility’s LNG production capacity.

Castlegar, CUPE staff ratify new four-year contract

Labour My Kootenay Now - September 22, 2026

The new agreement provides wage increases of four per cent in 2026, 3.75 per cent in 2027, 3.75 per cent in 2028, and 3.5 per cent in 2029.

B.C. pauses planned expansion of PST to professional services

Business Emily Joveski - September 18, 2026

B.C. is delaying its planned PST expansion to professional services amid ongoing uncertainty from the Canada-U.S. trade war.

Rossland-area magnesium mine receives forestry permit

Mining Greg Nesteroff - September 18, 2026

The company behind a proposed Rossland-area magnesium mine has received a permit to cut trees

Castlegar’s mayor to head Forestry Works for BC

Business My Kootenay Now - September 15, 2026

Maria McFaddin is the new executive director of the non-profit industry advocacy group.

Fiscal update shows B.C. deficit climbing to $13.8B, despite revenue boost

Economy Emily Joveski - September 14, 2026

Budget 2026 projected a deficit of $13.3 billion in February, but the Ministry of Finance said Monday it now expects a deficit of nearly $13.8 billion.

Forestry groups say B.C. needs urgent action to revive the sector

Economy Emily Joveski - September 9, 2026

B.C. forestry groups say the sector has reached a breaking point and are urging the province to take immediate action to protect mills, jobs and access to timber.