By paNOW Staff

Employment growth continues across Canada, mixed in P.A.

Jan 5, 2018 | 10:48 AM

Employment continued to grow across the country last month, plunging the national unemployment rate to the lowest number in 40 years.

The jobless rate in Canada fell to 5.7 per cent in December, according to Statistics Canada’s monthly data dump. This is down from 5.9 the month prior, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1976.

Saskatchewan had the first notable bump in employment in February 2017, adding nearly 5,000 jobs. However, with more people looking for work, the unemployment rate ticked up marginally by 0.4 per cent to 6.4.

In Prince Albert, the unemployment rate dropped slightly from months prior, to 8.6 per cent. Year-over-year, employment in the city remained relatively stable. The unemployment rate was 8.9 per cent in December 2016.

Year-over-year, however, the participation rate, which reflects those either working or looking for work, is down from 65.6 per cent to 64.8. 

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In Regina, job numbers dropped 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.7, while Saskatoon held steady at 7.6 per cent.

The employment increase in December across Canada was concentrated in part-time work, which rose by 55,000. Job gains were observed among self-employed workers and public sector employees.

Quebec and Alberta led the country in job growth, according to the agency. In Alberta, the unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points to 6.9. Employment gains were observed in a number of industries, led by accommodation and food services, and by natural resources.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow