Kelowna's Unemployment Rate Hits New High

Kelowna, Canada's jobless capital, continues to struggle with unemployment. For the third consecutive month in July, Kelowna had the highest unemployment rate in the country at 9.3 per cent.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of people unemployed in greater Kelowna rose from 12,700 in June to 13,100 in July. Meanwhile, the total employment in the area increased from 124,900 to 128,200.

The local population remained relatively stable at 211,900, so the increase in employment was largely due to people who had been jobless rejoining the labour force and finding work.

Kelowna's unemployment rate has been the highest in Canada since November last year. The city's economy is expected to be a key issue in October's civic election, with several candidates pledging to boost employment.