Employment in Canada saw 31,000 job losses in July, recording a drop for the second straight month, according to the July Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada. .“Compared with May, employment was down 74,000 (-.4%),” said Statistics Canada in a Friday statement. .“The number of public sector employees fell by 51,000 (-1.2%) in July, while the number of self-employed workers increased by 34,000 (+1.3%).” .The number of private sector employees saw little change. .The statement said employment declined among women 25 to 54 years old and 55 and older. Employment went up among men aged 55 years old and older. .In the service-producing sector, there were 53,000 job losses in July, with this drop being spread among wholesale and retail trade, healthcare, and education. Employment went up in the goods-producing sector by 23,000 jobs. .Total hours worked were down .5% in July..The statement went on to say the average hourly wages of employees were up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis in July, matching the pace of wage growth in June. .The unemployment rate matched the historic low of 4.9% reached in June. Long-term unemployment saw 23,000 job losses (12.2%) to 162,000 in July, the third consecutive monthly decline. .The Canadian government said in June while the country has the lowest unemployment rate in more than 50 years, there is a labour shortage. .READ MORE: Liberals says labour shortage follows Canada's lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years.Liberal MP Rachel Bendayan said that's why the Liberals have been so focused on welcoming new immigrants to Canada. ."I certainly hope the Conservative Party agrees immigration is an excellent solution to the labour shortage in this country,” said Bendayan.
