The Canadian labour market added 60,400 net jobs in September, unexpectedly better than economist expectations of a loss of 2,500 positions, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday.
September gains follow significant employment losses in July and August.
The unemployment rate also held steady at 7.1%, edging past expectations of a rise to 7.2%.
Canada’s economy added 106,000 full-time positions in September, while part-time work declined by 46,000.
Public-sector hiring led the gains, adding 31,000 positions during the month.
The manufacturing sector added 28,000 jobs in September, its first increase since January, while 14,000 positions were created in health care and social assistance along with 13,000 in agriculture.