PG makes a dent in last month’s jobless numbers

PRINCE GEORGE – Statistics Canada reported a slight dip in the unemployment rate for Prince George last month, down to 8.6 per cent compared to 8.8 per cent the previous month and 4.5 percent in August of last year. Employment in the region increased in construction and decreased in the wholesale and retail sectors.

BC’s overall jobless rate was a 5.2 percent last month ,compared to 5.4 percent last monthand 4.5 per cent last August .

The national unemployment rate held steady at 5.5 per cent last month, ending a three-month streak of increases. Statistics Canada reports the economy added 40,000 jobs, with gains in the professional, scientific and technical services fields as well as construction.

The agency says the strong pace of population growth means increasing job gains are necessary to keep the unemployment rate in check.