Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment increased by 5,600 jobs from last month and increased by 12,300 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 3,000 jobs from last month and decreased by 18,000 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 1,200 from the previous month and increased by 2,000 compared to last year.

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate decreased by 2.1 percentage points year-over-year.

The Unemployment Rate increased by 0.7 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate decreased by 1.9 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels increased by 2,700 jobs in the most recent month and decreased by 5,600 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, there was a net increased by 2,700 jobs. Over the last year, the labor market has seen a net decreased by 5,600 jobs in total.

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

• Construction : 38,100 workers.
• Manufacturing : 21,100 workers.
• Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas : 9,300 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Construction, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, which together account for a substantial share of the workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

• Health care and social assistance : 43,900 workers.
• Wholesale and retail trade : 38,100 workers.
• Professional, scientific and technical services : 22,000 workers.

In the Services sector, Health Care, Retail, and Professional Services lead employment, representing a dominant portion of the workforce.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

• Transportation and warehousing : Change of 2,800 workers ( increased by 25.69 %).
• Manufacturing : Change of 2,600 workers ( decreased by 10.97 %).
• Agriculture : Change of 2,000 workers ( increased by Inf %).
• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 1,800 workers ( increased by 4.96 %).
• Educational services : Change of 1,800 workers ( increased by 11.84 %).

These industries saw the largest month-over-month changes, indicating short-term trends.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

• Information, culture and recreation : Change of 7,500 workers ( increased by 60 %).
• Construction : Change of 7,300 workers ( increased by 23.7 %).
• Educational services : Change of 6,800 workers ( decreased by 28.57 %).
• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 6,300 workers ( decreased by 14.19 %).
• Public administration : Change of 6,200 workers ( increased by 65.96 %).

The year-over-year changes provide insights into longer-term shifts, highlighting industries that have grown or declined significantly.

Conclusion

Employment has seen a decline over the year, highlighting some challenges in the job market. Key industries driving the trend are: Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale and retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance.

Employment Trends

Total employment in December 2024 was 119,500, showing a steady increase of 1,900. in contrast to December, employment levels gained 7,820, showing strength.

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 59.1% in December 2024. This represents a rise of 0.8 percentage points from November (58.3%). Year-over-year, the rate improved by 2.0 percentage points from 57.1%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 5.8% in December 2024, up 0.5 percentage points from November. Compared to December last year (5.0%), the rate has increased by 0.8 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The weak correlation (-0.19) between regional and local employment levels indicates relatively independent employment patterns. This suggests that local employment dynamics are largely independent from regional trends.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a weak correlation (0.07) between regional and local levels. This suggests distinct local employment rate patterns, suggesting that local labor market conditions operate independently.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.34 shows a moderate relationship. This suggests some common unemployment drivers, indicating that there is partial alignment in labor market stress.

Kelowna consists of the following communities: Kelowna, Central Okanagan, Lake Country, Peachland, Central Okanagan West, West Kelowna, Duck Lake 7, Tsinstikeptum 9, Tsinstikeptum 10 .