For the fifth straight month, Canada’s unemployment rate remained at a 33-year low of 6.1% in June.

Statistics Canada said today that 35,000 jobs were added to the domestic economy over the month — slightly better than expectations. That follows a gain of 9,300 jobs in May.

South of the border, U.S. employment posted a solid rise.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased 132,000 in June, after swelling 190,000 in May and 122,000 in April, the U.S. Labor Department said today. The unemployment rate for June was unchanged at 4.5%.

Looking at the first half of 2007, the Canadian economy added a total of 197,000 jobs, a 1.2% increase — similar to growth seen over the first half of 2006.

For the second month in a row, full-time work rose in June, while part-time employment fell.

The biggest job gains came in Quebec, Alberta and New Brunswick. Job growth in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador dropped while Ontario remained mostly unchanged.

In June, manufacturing jobs continued to decline, while the biggest employment increases were in retail and wholesale trade, business, building and other support services.

As the jobs report was in line with expectations, it’s unlikely to have any effect on the Bank of Canada’s decision on interest rates.

Market watchers are mixed as to whether it will increase Canada’s key lending rate at its next meeting Tuesday.