Source: The Canadian Press

Boosted by the Vancouver Winter Olympics, British Columbia led the way as non-farm payroll employment increased nationally by 0.1%, or 8,300 jobs, in February.

Statistics Canada reports notable job gains in accommodation and food services; investigation and security services; and employment services — all largely associated with the Olympic Games.

In manufacturing, payroll employment rose by 11,200 in February, the largest increase for this sector since January 2008.

The agency says a number of manufacturing industries were on the rise in February, most notably plastic product manufacturing; motor vehicle assembly; bakeries and tortilla manufacturing; agricultural, construction and mining machinery manufacturing; and motor vehicle parts.

Other industries with notable job gains in February were employment services; support activities for mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction; investigation and security services; and business support services.

These gains were partly offset by declines in retail trade, mainly in grocery stores and gasoline stations, along with declines in educational services.

Average weekly earnings, including overtime, of non-farm payroll employees was $843.91, up 2.8% from February 2009.