Kamloops sees one per cent rise in May unemployment

Jun 7, 2026 | 2:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — The jobs market in Kamloops stayed relatively stable between April and May, with a small increase in its unemployment rates for the month.

According to Statistics Canada, Kamloops reported a one per cent increase in unemployment between April and May of this year, rising from 4.9 per cent to 5.9 per cent.

The City also saw a small decline in the amount of people looking for work, from 65.2 per cent to 65 per cent.

Provincially, the job market stayed stable overall, remaining at a 6.9 per cent unemployment rate.

The provincial government touted the new jobs added across the province, with 14,800 new jobs in the private sector in May.

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“B.C. added 25,200 new jobs in May 2026, including 7,200 new jobs for youth, and the third straight monthly increase in construction and manufacturing – an increase of nearly 19,000 new jobs in those sectors over that time period,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.

“By hosting major global events like FIFA World Cup 2026 and Web Summit Vancouver, B.C. is creating new opportunities for businesses, boosting tourism, attracting investment and supporting jobs throughout the province.”

However, the stats show an increase in youth unemployment in B.C., rising by 0.9 per centage points in between April and May, from 14.4 per cent to 15.3 per cent.

by Elora McCormack

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Kamloops sees one per cent rise in May unemployment

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