Natural resources continues to see the largest annual jobs decline in January 2026, according to Statistics Canada. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)

By Alyssa Conti

January Jobs Report

Chilliwack, Abbotsford unemployment rate dips, but figures still up from 2025: StatCan

Feb 6, 2026 | 9:08 AM

CHILLIWACK — January labour figures from Statistics Canada are painting a more optimistic monthly picture across B.C.

Abbotsford added roughly 1,700 jobs, while unemployment dipped from 6.8 per cent in December to 6.3 last month.

Chilliwack also gained 200 jobs and cut down unemployment by 0.3 points to 7.2 per cent.

However, these figures are still higher than the average in British Columbia (6.1%) and the local year-over-year figures from 2025, in which Abbotsford increased by 0.8 points and Chilliwack by 0.4.

Despite losing 700 jobs in the past month, agriculture continues to experience the largest annual spike (+122.4%) among various industries across the province.

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Investments in health care and transportation infrastructure have also led to monthly gains in both industries, with each adding approximately 6,200 and 4,100 jobs, respectively, compared to December. Transportation and warehousing remain down 6.8 per cent year over year.

Natural resources, such as forestry, mining, and oil and gas extraction, lost 8,800 jobs and continue to see the largest annual losses (-17.6%).

Wholesale and retail trade also saw a monthly employment decline of 5,500, amounting to a 3.4 per cent annual dip.

“As we move forward, our priority is supporting the people who keep our province strong. We will continue investing in the skills, services and programs that help British Columbians build secure, rewarding futures,” said Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon in a statement released Friday.

“We know we need to do more.”

Local industry data is not available in the jobs report. More details are available on StatCan’s January Labour Force Survey.

The B.C. government has been working to secure $200 billion in major-project investment through its Look West economic strategy. The Mt. Milligan Mine expansion, expected to bring in $400 million in investment, was approved in January. A concurrent permit process with the multibillion-dollar Highland Valley Copper project has also been piloted.