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.
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.
