Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment increased by 7,500 jobs from last month and decreased by 3,300 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 1,800 jobs from last month and increased by 3,000 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 100 people from the previous month and increased by 7,000 people compared to last year.

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate decreased by 1 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate increased by 1.3 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels increased by 5,700 jobs from the previous month and decreased by 300 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment increased by 5,700 jobs . Over the last year, the labor market has decreased by 300 jobs .

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

• Construction : 43,200 workers.
• Manufacturing : 19,700 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 : 86,100 workers.
• Wholesale and retail trade : 67,800 workers.
• Public administration : 48,400 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

• Public administration : Change of 2,500 workers ( increased by 5.45 %).
• Construction : Change of 2,000 workers ( increased by 4.85 %).
• Manufacturing : Change of 1,700 workers ( decreased by 7.94 %).
• Information, culture and recreation : Change of 1,100 workers ( increased by 6.92 %).
• Agriculture : Change of 700 workers ( increased by 33.33 %).

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 7,600 workers ( decreased by 30.89 %).
• Professional, scientific and technical services : Change of 7,600 workers ( decreased by 17.19 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 7,200 workers ( increased by 9.13 %).
• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 6,600 workers ( increased by 10.78 %).
• Other services (except public administration) : Change of 5,400 workers ( decreased by 29.19 %).

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, Wholesale and retail trade, Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Public administration.

Employment Trends

Total employment in April 2025 was 232,320, showing a subtle increase of 1,060. relative to April, employment levels rose by 3,530, showing strength.

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 61.1% in April 2025. This represents a rise of 0.3 percentage points from March (60.8%). Year-over-year, the rate decreased by 0.4 percentage points from 61.5%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 4.0% in April 2025, down 0.1 percentage points from March. Compared to April last year (4.6%), the rate has decreased by 0.6 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The moderate correlation (0.63) between regional and local employment levels indicates some alignment in employment trends. This suggests that local employment partially reflects regional patterns.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a strong correlation (0.73) between regional and local levels. This indicates strong alignment in workforce participation, suggesting that labor market conditions affect both areas similarly.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.08 shows a weak relationship. This points to distinct local unemployment dynamics, indicating that local unemployment follows its own distinct pattern.

Victoria consists of the following communities: North Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich, Saanich, Oak Bay, Victoria, Esquimalt, Colwood, Metchosin, Langford, View Royal, Highlands, Sooke, Juan de Fuca (Part 1), Cole Bay 3, Union Bay 4, East Saanich 2, South Saanich 1, Becher Bay 1, Esquimalt, New Songhees 1A, T'Sou-ke .