Canada’s unemployment rate in May remained for a fourth consecutive month at a 33-year low of 6.1%.
Statistics Canada reported today that job growth increased by only 9,300 positions overall. Growth in full-time work expanded by 32,700, but part-time employment declined last month by 23,400.
The employment growth was slightly below the forecasts of economists, who had been expecting job growth close to 14,300, and for the unemployment rate to hold steady at 6.1%.
May’s job growth compares with a loss of just over 5,000 jobs in April.
Across the country, the construction sector added 21,900 jobs, while the information, culture and recreation sector added 16,300 positions. Employment in accommodation and food services grew by 15,300.
The trade sector shed 20,300 jobs, while the manufacturing sector lost 12,300 workers.
StatsCan also said that the summer job market started on a positive note, with 33,000 more students employed in May compared with a year ago.
The employment rate for students who were in school full time in March and plan to go back to school in September reached 47.2% in May, the highest rate in 16 years.