Labour

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.

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. lost 26,000 full-time jobs while gaining 20,600 part-time jobs

Labour Kate Brown - September 4, 2026

B.C. lost 5,500 jobs in August as the unemployment rate rose to 6.5 per cent, with full-time employment falling by 26,000 positions.

Tuition-free carpentry training coming to Kootenays

Labour My Kootenay Now - August 19, 2026

Up to 16 people in the Kootenays will receive tuition-free carpentry training, industry certifications and paid work experience through a new provincial program.

Kootenay unemployment rate 5.2% in July

Labour My Kootenay Now - August 7, 2026

The local jobless indictator fell in July for the third straight month when compared to figures from a year earlier.

Kootenay unemployment rate falls to 4.6%

Labour My Kootenay Now - July 10, 2026

Out of an estimated population of 151,100, about 88,100 people were working and another 4,200 were looking for work.

‘Agonizing’: Rhys Andrews on the demise of the Trail Skills Centre

Labour Greg Nesteroff - July 2, 2026

The Trail Skills Centre announced this week that it will wind down its operations this fall after nearly 30 years. We spoke with the board chair.

Trail Skills Centre announces impending closure

Labour My Kootenay Now - June 29, 2026

In a news release today, the organization said it has not been able to overcome funding challenges that already resulted in the layoff of most of its staff.

B.C. added more than 25,000 jobs in May, says StatCan

Labour Emily Joveski - June 5, 2026

British Columbia added 25,200 jobs in May, reversing some of the losses recorded earlier this year, according to Statistics Canada.

Kootenay unemployment rate was 5.2% in May

Labour My Kootenay Now - June 5, 2026

The local jobless rate was lower last month than the provincial and national rates and lower than the same time last year.

B.C.’s minimum wage set to increase on June 1

Labour Emily Joveski - May 30, 2026

British Columbia’s general minimum wage will increase to $18.25 per hour on June 1, but advocates said it still falls short of a living wage in much of the province.