Have you been hearing that British Columbia lost jobs at the end of 2025? You’re not alone. A fresh job report shows that December 2025 didn’t finish the year on a high note. According to recent data from Statistics Canada, the province saw about 3,300 fewer jobs in December — marking a rough end to an already challenging economic year.

At first glance, that number might feel worrying… but there’s more to the story than just the headline. Let’s break it down in plain language and take a closer look at what’s happening with B.C.’s job market — and what it means for you, your family, and your community.

📉 What the Numbers Say

In December 2025, British Columbia’s labour market showed:

• 3,300 fewer jobs compared to November.
• Despite this, the unemployment rate stayed steady at 6.4% — even though Canada as a whole saw a rise in its unemployment rate.
• Across the full year, B.C. still added tens of thousands of jobs overall, especially earlier in 2025.

So what’s going on?

🧠 A Deeper Look: December Isn’t the Whole Story

It helps to think of this like a roller coaster — the year had some big ups and downs.

Imagine you’re tracking steps on a fitness app. One day you fall short of your goal, but over the week you’re still ahead. That’s kind of like what happened here.

Sure, December saw a dip, but the full year told a stronger story. Statistics Canada reported that B.C. added about 24,100 jobs overall in 2025 before the December loss.

That means the economy did grow — but growth wasn’t steady. And when something is uneven, it can feel rough at the end.

🤔 Why Did Jobs Drop in December?

There’s no single reason for the drop, but economists often point to a few common factors:

🎄 Seasonal Shifts

Holidays can tighten hiring as businesses finish their busiest periods. Some seasonal work ends after the festivities — like retail and hospitality roles — which can make job numbers dip even if the broader economy is stable.

📊 Broader National Trends

Across Canada, unemployment rose slightly in December, and not all sectors are hiring at the same pace.

💼 Sector Variations

Some industries, like health care and social services, saw gains earlier in the year, while others like professional services or resources had softer moments.

Simply put, job numbers fluctuate like waves — sometimes a month goes down even if the tide overall is moving up.

📌 What the Government Says

Officials pointed out that even with the December drop:

• B.C.’s unemployment rate was one of the lowest in Canada at 6.4%.
• Private-sector employment stayed strong in many areas — meaning businesses were still hiring.
• The average hourly wage in British Columbia rose and remained one of the highest in the country at around $38.60.

It’s like saying: “Yes, this month wasn’t great, but the long-term trend still has some positives.”

👩‍💼 What This Means for Workers

If you’re thinking, “Will this affect my job or future?” here are some straight answers:

🟢 Unemployment didn’t spike

A flat unemployment rate means people didn’t suddenly lose confidence in the job market, and many are still finding work.

📈 There’s growth in some fields

Healthcare, construction, and service jobs were among areas that added workers during 2025.

📉 Other areas slowed

Industries like technical services or seasonal roles had ups and downs — especially around year-end.

Think of it this way: the job market isn’t one big machine — it’s more like a patchwork quilt, with some areas doing well and others feeling pressure.

🏙️ What Experts Are Saying

Economists are watching a few bigger trends that tie into these numbers:

1.Canada’s overall job market cooled in December even as more people searched for work.

2. Wage growth remains a concern for business owners — especially small ones who say they’re paying more but not always hiring more.

What’s interesting is that even when jobs are added at other times of the year, job seekers sometimes feel like nothing is changing because it’s uneven. Ever had a week where half your tasks feel knocked out — but the other half still weighs heavy? This can feel similar.

💼 Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026

Now that we’re into 2026, what might the future hold?

Experts forecast that British Columbia could see more job openings due to retirements and economic growth over the next decade — suggesting long-term opportunity even if short-term numbers wobble.

The key takeaway? The job market isn’t frozen. It changes month to month, year to year, and industry to industry.

📍 So, Should You Be Worried?

Maybe a little — because job searches, layoffs, and uncertain numbers can make anyone uneasy.

But here’s the silver lining:

• B.C. still added jobs overall in 2025.
• Unemployment stayed steady.
• Wages are strong compared to other provinces.

It’s like finishing a marathon and tripping over the last few steps — it doesn’t mean you failed; it just stings at the end.

📌 Final Thoughts

The December job loss in B.C. might look discouraging at first. But when you zoom out, the picture is more mixed — and not all bad.

Whether you’re job searching, planning your career, hiring workers, or just curious about the economy, it helps to keep a long-term view. The job market isn’t perfect, but it’s not stuck — and there are still opportunities ahead.