Workers assemble temporary seating high in the air for the FIFA World Cup at BMO Field in Toronto on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)

By Alyssa Conti

March Jobs Report

Chilliwack unemployment rate dips despite B.C. joblessness spike

Apr 10, 2026 | 8:47 AM

CHILLIWACK — Unemployment in Chilliwack and Abbotsford remained unfazed despite British Columbia shedding over 19,000 jobs in March, Statistics Canada said Friday.

Chilliwack had no jobs lost or gained, but roughly 800 people did pull back from the labour force between February and March– 43 per cent less than the previous month’s loss of 1,400.

That smaller number has helped bring the overall unemployment rate down by 1.2 points, from 7.2 to 6.0 per cent.

Abbotsford-Mission added 100 positions and held its joblessness rate steady at 5.7 per cent.

Across the province, though, the downed job numbers have matched B.C.’s to the national unemployment rate of 6.7 per cent in March (+0.6), marking the highest level in B.C. since February 2016.

Bell Acres Water System

FVRD to reduce water reservoir levels at Chilliwack River Valley area due to 'irregularities'

34m ago

March Jobs Report

Chilliwack unemployment rate dips despite B.C. joblessness spike

1h ago

Hold-Up Alarm Triggered

56-year-old Chilliwack man arrested after assault, thefts in Hope

1h ago

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran are significantly impacting the global economy and causing supply chain issues all over the world, and people and businesses are feeling the effects,” said Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon.

“Here in British Columbia, we are laser-focused on ensuring the right conditions are in place, in partnership with the private sector, to grow a more sustainable economy that’s less reliant on outside forces.”

Wholesale and retail trade (-9,700), finance and real estate industries (-7,200) and professional and technical services, such as positions in legal, consulting and scientific research (-5,800), were the hardest-hit in last month’s losses in the province.

Year-over-year, agriculture (+68.5%), utilities (+31.3%) and other services, including repair and maintenance and work in private households (+14%), saw the highest gains.

Chilliwack unemployment rate dips despite B.C. joblessness spike

More Local News