Image: Modfos / Dreamstime / File image of agriculture in Fraser Valley

By Alyssa Conti

DECEMBER JOBS REPORT

Chilliwack unemployment swings up as Abbotsford-Mission rates dip down in December: StatCan

Jan 9, 2026 | 9:22 AM

CHILLIWACK — After two months of hovering around the 7 per cent range, the latest figures from Statistics Canada show that unemployment in the communities of Chilliwack and Abbotsford-Mission sang a different tune in December.

Despite adding roughly 1,100 jobs between November and December, Chilliwack experienced a rise in the joblessness rate from 7 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

Abbotsford-Mission also added around 1,000 jobs but saw its unemployment numbers dip from 7.2 to 6.9 per cent in the past month.

British Columbia held steady at 6.4 per cent, lower than the national average of 6.8.

The B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon has issued a statement saying tariff impacts continue to affect the provincial labour force.

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“As outside threats affect people’s lives here in B.C., particularly in the forest sector, attracting new investment, targeting new, growing markets, and supporting good-paying jobs in British Columbia is more important than ever,” wrote the Minister.

Forestry and agriculture sectors continue trends

Natural resources lost 6,500 jobs (13.5%) year-over-year, but the sector did see a 9.1 per cent increase between November and December 2025.

Utilities experienced no change in the previous month, but annual employment figures are down by 5,600 (-26.7%).

The information and recreation sector, which affects broadcasting and telecommunications, dropped by 9,900 jobs (-7.5%) over the past month – a 9.9 per cent annual drop.

“By attracting investment and reducing our reliance on U.S. markets through diversified trade partnerships, we will create more good jobs and prosperity for all British Columbians,” added the Minister.

“As a province, we’re well positioned to be the economic engine of Canada’s future.”

The province added 16,800 (+6.6%) construction jobs over the past year by kickstarting several major projects on schools, hospitals and transportation infrastructure.

Agriculture continues to lead annual growth, with an 81.3 per cent increase from December 2024.

Local data is not available in the jobs report.

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