Chilliwack unemployment rate falls 1.1% as B.C. adds more jobs, Abbotsford stays at 8.3% | Fraser Valley Today

Construction saw the largest job gains in July 2026 as work began on several major projects in B.C., including Enbridge’s Sunrise pipeline expansion. (Image Credit: Enbridge)

By Alyssa Conti

July Jobs Report

Aug 7, 2026 | 10:11 AM

CHILLIWACK — July labour figures from Statistics Canada are showing some respite from the unemployment front across parts of B.C.

Chilliwack added 2,100 jobs in July, cutting its unemployment rate from 8 to 6.9 per cent last month, though it remained up by 1.3 per cent from July 2025.

Abbotsford-Mission added 400 jobs, while unemployment stayed the same at 8.3 per cent.

“B.C.’s jobs divide remains stark,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA and Jobs Critic Gavin Dew. “Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna and Abbotsford-Mission than in Victoria. Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth.”