Data released recently from the Canadian economy showed employment rose by 60,000 jobs in September after a loss of nearly 65,000 in August, better than expectations of an increase of about 3,000 jobs. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remained at August levels of 7.1%, compared to expectations of a 7.2% increase.
Employment increased across several sectors, led by manufacturing, which added 28,000 jobs, health and social care, which added 14,000 jobs, and agriculture, which added 13,000 jobs. Employment in wholesale and retail trade fell by 21,000 jobs.
Total hours worked in September increased by 3.3%, or $1.17, to $36.78, year-over-year, after a 3.2% increase in August.