Canada’s job market showed signs of cooling in April as national employment was little changed and the unemployment rate climbed to 6.9%.Statistics Canada reported today that only 7,400 jobs were added last month — a statistically flat increase of 0.0%. The national employment rate edged down 0.1% to 60.8%, while the unemployment rate rose by 0.2%.The numbers highlight diverging trends among age and gender groups. Employment dropped sharply among core-aged women aged 25 to 54, down 60,000 jobs or 0.9%. In contrast, employment rose by 35,000 (+0.8%) for workers aged 55 and older, and by 24,000 (+0.3%) for core-aged men.By industry, manufacturing was hit hard, shedding 31,000 jobs (-1.6%), along with wholesale and retail trade, which lost 27,000 positions (-0.9%). However, job gains were recorded in public administration (+37,000; +3.0%) as temporary workers were hired for federal election activities. The finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing sector also saw a boost of 24,000 jobs (+1.6%)..Regionally, Ontario recorded the largest employment decline at 35,000 jobs lost (-0.4%). Nova Scotia also posted a notable drop of 8,500 positions (-1.6%). Meanwhile, job numbers increased in Quebec (+18,000; +0.4%), Alberta (+15,000; +0.6%), Manitoba (+5,700; +0.8%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (+3,800; +1.6%). Employment remained steady in other provinces.Total hours worked across the country rose 0.4% in April and were 0.9% higher than a year ago, suggesting that those with jobs may be putting in slightly more time.Average hourly wages grew 3.4% year-over-year, up $1.20 to $36.13. That compares to a 3.6% increase in March.The figures point to a labour market under pressure, as economic uncertainty and rising costs continue to weigh on job creation.
