News

Why this Canadian city has one of the highest unemployment rates as national job market grows: Kelownas crisis now higher than the pandemic peak

Kelownas unemployment has surged to 11 per cent, surpassing pandemic-era levels, while Canadas national job market shows growth. Castanet reports 16,200 residents are seeking work as layoffs hit lumber, construction, real estate, and post-secondary sectors. Experts, including Ross Hickey of UBC Okanagan and George Greenwood of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, cite labour force growth, sector slowdowns, and reduced international student enrolment as contributing factors. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reports 54,000 national job gains, highlighting a stark regional divergence.