Kelowna jobless rate remains highest among major Canadian cities

Kelowna posted the highest unemployment rate among Canada’s major urban centres in June 2026, even though the local labour market added about 2,300 jobs. Statistics Canada said the city’s unemployment rate rose to 9.2 per cent from 9.0 per cent in May because roughly 2,900 more people entered the workforce. Local business leaders said the figures point to a labour market where job creation is not keeping pace with demand. The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce cited softer construction activity, program cuts at local postsecondary institutions, and pressure on small businesses as factors affecting hiring. Across British Columbia, the unemployment rate fell to 6.5 per cent from 6.8 per cent. Some regions saw improvement, including Vancouver and Nanaimo, while others such as Kamloops, Chilliwack, AbbotsfordMission and Victoria recorded higher jobless rates. The province also noted stronger youth employment in June, while officials pointed to recent job growth and ongoing infrastructure and investment projects as signs of resilience.