Statcanad reported Friday that the employment rose by 51,000 in February, following a slight decline the previous month. The unemployment rate remained at 7.0% as more people participated in the labour force.
Compared with 12 months earlier, employment grew by 1.9% or 336,000, predominantly in full-time work. Over the same period, the total number of hours worked also increased by 1.9%.
Employment gains in February were in professional, scientific and technical services; accommodation and food services; public administration; and agriculture. Manufacturing was the lone industry to post a notable decline.
Provincially, employment increased in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, while Manitoba saw a decline. br>