Canada continued to gain jobs (+150,000) in January while the unemployment rate remained stable at 5.0%, above a record low, Statistics Canada announced on Friday.
The unemployment rate remained just above the record low of 4.9% recorded in June and July.
Job creations far exceeded analysts’ forecasts (5,000 job creations expected according to the Royal Bank of Canada), who expected the unemployment rate to stand at 5.1%.
Employment growth was driven in particular by people aged 25 to 54 and by those aged 55 and over.
They were observed mainly in full-time work and in the wholesale and retail sectors, in health care and social assistance, but also in education.
They fell in the transport and storage sector, the first significant decline since March 2022, noted the national statistics institute.
Employment increased in both the private and public sectors. It was up in five provinces: Quebec gained 47,000 jobs in January, the third significant increase since September.
Statistics Canada noted an increase in employment among non-permanent residents (+13.3%), particularly in the scientific and technical sectors, retail trade, accommodation and food services, but also health care. and social assistance.
APS