The Abbotsford-Mission region has seen a welcome improvement in its job market. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the number of people employed in the area rose to around 113,100 in June. This is an increase of about 100 people compared to May.
This is the highest number of working residents in the region since January. However, it is still lower than the area’s 12-month high in November, when roughly 114,800 people aged 15 and over were employed in Abbotsford and Mission.
The local unemployment rate dropped to 6.5% in June, ending a four-month streak of rising joblessness. In May, the rate peaked at 7%, its highest level in months.
The 6.5% figure puts Abbotsford-Mission close to the provincial average, which stood at 6.1% in June. In contrast, some other areas in British Columbia are facing tougher conditions. For example, Kamloops currently has an unemployment rate of 9.2%, well above the provincial and local averages.
This positive shift is being seen as a sign of steady economic improvement. Diane Gibson, the province’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, said that the government’s efforts are helping businesses stay strong despite challenges.
She pointed to global trade tensions, particularly those involving tariff policies by U.S. President Donald Trump, as one of the main pressures on the province’s economy. Still, Gibson said, B.C. is working hard to support its local businesses.
“We’re doing everything we can to defend local companies,” Gibson said. “By opening new markets and expanding trade, we’re helping them find new opportunities.”
British Columbia now has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Canada for the month of June. Only Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec reported lower numbers.
Gibson also said that the government is continuing to invest in trade and job growth. B.C. is looking beyond North America to grow its economy by focusing on markets in Asia and Europe. At the same time, the province is trying to reduce trade barriers between Canadian provinces.
“This past month, we pushed even harder to build a stronger and more diverse economy,” she said. “We’re focused on creating and protecting good jobs for British Columbians.”
While the rise in jobs from May to June was small, the overall trend shows resilience in the Abbotsford-Mission labour market. The region has managed to avoid the sharp unemployment spikes seen in other parts of the province.
As summer continues, job numbers in the region are expected to stay steady or even rise. Seasonal employment often boosts hiring during these months, especially in areas like construction, tourism, and retail.
Experts say that even small monthly gains in employment are important. They help keep the unemployment rate from rising and support community stability. Continued efforts to support businesses and remove trade barriers will likely play a key role in the months ahead.
The Abbotsford-Mission area remains one of the more stable job markets in British Columbia. While there’s still room for improvement, the latest numbers are a positive sign heading into the summer.
