13.2°C Vancouver

Oct 9, 2020 10:28 PM -

Unemployment continues to edge downward in B.C. and Canada

Share On
unemployment-continues-to-edge-downward-in-bc-and-canada
A welder works in a factory in Quebec City, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Unemployment continues to edge downward in BC and across the country, as Canada tries to shed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics Canada says 378,000 mainly full-time jobs were added last month, lowering the national jobless rate to nine per cent from 10.2 per cent in August.

Unemployment reached a record-high of 13.7 per cent during the height of the pandemic in May and while September's number is encouraging, Stats Can says it would have been 11.9 per cent last month if people who wanted a job, but didn't look for work had been included in the calculation.

In BC, more people earned a paycheque in September as economists say the jobless rate in this province dipped to 8.4 per cent from 10.7 per cent in August.

Latest news

AlbertaOct 22, 2026

Alberta Reports Sharp Rise in Flu Cases, 5 Deaths and 26 ICU Admissions

Alberta is seeing a significant rise in influenza cases well before the official flu season begins. As of October 11, the province had recorded 366 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, compared with just 42 during the same period last year. Hospitalizations have also increased, with nearly 300 Albertans hospitalized due to influenza since August. Among them, 26 patients, including two young children, have required intensive care. Five people have died from influenza since August, including four in the Calgary zone. Flu vaccines became available to the general public on October 19. So far, approxima
four-palestinians-killed-in-israeli-strikes-and-gunfire-in-gaza
WorldOct 22, 2026

Four Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes and Gunfire in Gaza

At least four Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes and shooting incidents in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. According to Gaza health officials, two people were killed in an attack on a car in Gaza City. A Palestinian cyclist was killed in an attack in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while a woman died in gunfire near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incidents. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by rearming and carrying out attacks. Hamas has rejected the allegations, accusing Israel of undermining the
air-canada-to-cut-five-u-s-routes-in-2027-amid-falling-demand
CanadaOct 22, 2026

Air Canada to Cut Five U.S. Routes in 2027 Amid Falling Demand

Air Canada has announced plans to gradually discontinue several U.S. routes, including all direct flights to South Carolina, citing declining passenger demand and rising operating costs. Starting in 2027, the airline will cancel services on five routes, including flights from Vancouver to Nashville and Raleigh-Durham, as well as Toronto Pearson to Charleston. The decision is expected to affect Canadian “snowbirds” who travel to South Carolina during the winter months. The Toronto–Charleston route was the only direct flight connecting Canada to the city. Air Canada said it is adjusting it
BCOct 22, 2026

70% of Vancouver Voters Back Ban on Public Drug Use

Nearly 70% of Vancouver voters supported banning the open use of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces, according to a non-binding question included alongside the municipal election ballot. Meanwhile, 68% supported urging the provincial government to build a secure medical facility with more than 100 beds at the site of the former St. Paul’s Hospital for patients struggling with severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Both questions were added to the ballot at the request of former Mayor Ken Sim. However, newly elected Mayor Pete Fry describ
AlbertaOct 22, 2026

Two Alberta Ridings Vote in Favour of Separating from Canada

A majority of voters across Alberta supported remaining in Canada in the recent referendum. However, two provincial ridings showed majority support for moving forward with the process toward a second referendum on separation. According to unofficial results from Elections Alberta, only two of the province’s 87 electoral districts recorded majority support for advancing the process. In Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, located north of Calgary, 51.1 per cent of voters supported the move, while 50.5 per cent in Central Peace-Notley in northwestern Alberta backed further steps toward another

Related News