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Northeast

Overview

This Northeast region is bordered by the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north, the Rocky Mountains to the west and Alberta to the east. It is a vast and remote area of mountains, foothills, forests, lakes, and the Peace River valley. 

Affordable housing and unlimited recreational opportunities attract and retain an active and exciting community of entrepreneurs, tradespeople, clean energy, and resource professionals. 

The Northeast region also holds the province’s highest rate of employment and has a high demand for skilled and level entry workers.

With a total population of only 72,300, this is among the least populous of BC’s economic regions. The largest urban center in this region is Fort St. John. Other key municipalities include Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson.  

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map of B.C. with the Northeast region highlighted

Job Outlook

Over the next decade (2023-2033), it is projected that there will be 10,420 job openings in the Northeast region, with an average annual employment growth rate of 0.4%. The following careers are expected to see the highest proportion of job openings.

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table listing top ten occupation categories in northeast region for 2023-2033

Source: WorkBC 

Key Industries

The Northeast’s thriving economy is based on natural resources, particularly natural gas production, agriculture, forestry, and critical minerals. Rapid development of the energy sector contributes to the Northeast region’s growth. 

Another important industry is utilities. Other sectors include logging, wood products manufacturing and agriculture. Power-generating projects, both planned and in progress, include hydroelectric dams and wind farms.

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Northeast region key industries employment count for 2023

Sources: WorkBCTrade and Invest BC