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Canada jobs up by 55,900 jobs in February on growth in full-time employment

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Canada jobs up by 55,900 jobs in February on growth in full-time employment

March 08, 2019

Employment in Canada rose by approximately 55,900 in February from January as an increase in full-time employment offset a decrease in part-time jobs, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. Ontario was the sole province with a notable employment gain.

Canada added approximately 67,400 full-time jobs during February but lost 11,600 part-time jobs. Total employment exceeded 18.9 million, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.8%.

Job growth in professional, scientific and technical services led employment growth, up by 18,000 jobs in February and increasing notably for the third time in four months. Most of the gains were in Ontario and Quebec. National employment in this industry rose by 6.8% year over year, up by 97,000 jobs. On a trend-cycle basis, employment in this industry has been up since March 2018, growing at a faster pace since the autumn.

More people were also employed in public administration; natural resources; and agriculture in February. At the same time, there were fewer workers in accommodation and food services, as well as transportation and warehousing.

The services-producing sector saw employment increase by 46,200 in February, while jobs in the goods-producing increased by 9,500.

Employment in Ontario rose for the second consecutive month in February, up by 37,000, boosted by a gain of 59,000 full-time jobs; the unemployment rate in the province remained at 5.7%. Employment declined in Manitoba and was little changed in the remaining provinces.