Image: Canadian Press

By Alyssa Conti

AUGUST JOBS REPORT

Chilliwack, Abbotsford unemployment rises as jobs fall across B.C. in August

Sep 5, 2025 | 9:49 AM

CHILLIWACK — Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey says a number of provinces experienced major job losses between July and August, and core cities in B.C.’s Fraser Valley were no exception.

Chilliwack unemployment rose from 5.6 to 6.1 per cent, while the Abbotsford-Mission area went up by four points to 6.8 per cent.

Approximately 1,200 jobs were lost across the three cities from the previous month, with a total of roughly 4,900 jobs lost compared to August 2024.

British Columbia saw a monthly dip of nearly 16,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate rising from 5.9 to 6.2 per cent.

Challenges in youth employment

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Although slightly better than last year’s figures, youth unemployment remains a challenge, with 12.8 per cent of people aged 15-24 finding themselves without work.

“Young people are missing out on jobs, missing out on opportunities, and missing out on hope for a bright future,” said Gavin Dew, jobs critic for the B.C. Conservatives.

“That first summer job is more than just a job —it’s a core memory. I still remember my summer jobs: filing and photocopying, stocking shelves and mopping floors, and then delivering pizza.”

The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth responded, stating that work is underway to make post-secondary schooling more affordable and accessible, which can help improve youth employment rates.

“By investing in education, we’re investing in people and businesses that move our economy forward: construction, professional engineers and architects, as well as cement, steel and forestry workers, to name a few,” said Minister Ravi Kahlon.

“This is one of many ways that our government is driving a stronger economy that provides good jobs that help people live a comfortable life in B.C.”

Investing in the trades

Provincially, construction (+11.4K) and wholesale retail trade (+7.6K) saw some of the highest gains over the past month.

Jobs in information, culture and recreation lost the most, with 16,500 positions gone – a 17.5 per cent drop from the same time last year. The category includes Internet access providers and professionals in the media, including radio, TV and newspapers.

Natural resources (-21.2%) and utilities (-17.8%) also had significant annual losses.

Local data is not available in the jobs report.

More information is available on StatCan’s August Labour Force Survey.