The Canadian workforce increased by 40,000 people or 0.2% in August while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5%, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
This increase in employment was about twice as much as the 20,000 or so expected by analysts but fell short of what would be required to keep up with the country’s rapidly expanding population.
Population growth was 103,000 or 0.3% in August, with the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed decreasing by 0.1% to 61.9%, Statistics Canada said.
Employment increased in professional, scientific, and technical services and construction, while it declined in educational services and manufacturing.
Year-over-year, average hourly wages increased 4.9% (up $1.56 to $33.47) in August, following a 5% increase in July.
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