Several high-profile layoffs in Metro Vancouver have hung over the region’s job market in recent weeks, and the latest data from Statistics Canada shows that employment numbers in B.C. are not faring much better.
The Labour Force Survey for August 2025, released on Friday, Sept. 5, shows that B.C. suffered one of the largest employment declines in Canada.
According to StatCan, employment in the province decreased by 16,000 jobs, or 0.5 per cent. It is the second consecutive month of job losses in B.C., with the unemployment rate rising to 6.2 per cent.
Canada as a whole lost 66,000 jobs, with the country’s unemployment rate rising to 7.1 per cent last month.
EvangelosG/Shutterstock
“There were 1.6 million unemployed people in August, an increase of 34,000 from July,” said StatCan in the report.
“Those who were unemployed in July continued to face difficulties finding work in August. Just 15.2 per cent of those who were unemployed in July had found work in August, lower than the corresponding proportion for the same months from 2017 to 2019.”
B.C. was second among all provinces for the highest recorded employment declines in August. Also in the top three are Ontario, which shed 26,000 jobs, and Alberta, which lost 14,000 jobs.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth for B.C., said that he expects job opportunities to recover in September.
“Overall, B.C.’s total employment decreased by 15,700 (-0.5 per cent) in August, including a decrease of 10,500 in educational services, which is typical in summer months, and is expected to rebound in September,” said Kahlon in a statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey. “Year over year, B.C. has gained 26,900 jobs compared to August 2024.
“While Canada faces strong economic headwinds from the tariff threat in the United States, British Columbia is working to build an economy that can stand on its own two feet.”
December 2024 construction progress on Fraser Health Authority’s $2.88-billion new Cloverdale Hospital and B.C. Cancer Centre in Surrey. (EllisDon)
Kahlon pointed out that the Labour Force Survey show an increase of 11,400 jobs in construction and 5,700 in manufacturing, which aligns with the Government of B.C.’s commitment to investing in key infrastructure.
In May, the provincial government introduced new legislation aimed at accelerating the construction of major infrastructure projects. Specific provisions under the new legislation include fast-tracked approvals for schools, hospitals, and other provincially designated projects.
StatCan also highlighted a challenging summer job market for students, noting that the unemployment rate for returning students aged 15 to 24 was 17.9 per cent during the period from May to August. It’s the highest summer unemployment rate since 2009.
In July, Daily Hive spoke with several B.C. students who were left empty-handed after submitting applications for hundreds of jobs.
“Only two interviews. No offers,” one student shared. “It’s honestly been demoralizing. You spend time writing a cover letter, tweaking your resume, and then hear nothing. Not even a ‘no.’ Just radio silence.”
Kahlon did confirm in his statement that jobs for young people are on the radar for the Government of B.C.
“As youth unemployment remains a challenge for young people throughout the province, we are continuing our work in B.C. to ensure they have the skills they need to succeed in a changing economy through our commitment to make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible,” he added.
If you’d like to share your experience applying for jobs in Metro Vancouver, send an email to vancouver@dailyhive.com, and we may get in touch for a future story.