Employment data has been volatile in recent months. Following a healthy increase in November (+79,100), employment unexpectedly fell in December (-2,600), primarily in full-time positions. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.5%.  

 

Taking a closer look at the numbers, the public sector shed 22,100 jobs, while the private sector added 4,300 net new jobs. The number of self-employed Canadians rose by 15,200.

Since peaking in October 2008, employment in Canada is down 323,000.

 

The goods-producing sector shed 12,000 jobs as gains in construction (+10,700) were more than offset by job losses in manufacturing (-9,700), utilities (-5,300), agriculture (-4,900) and natural resources (-2,800). The service sector increased its payrolls by 9,400 led by health care and social assistance (+35,300); professional, scientific and technical services (+33,400); and accommodation and food services (+14,500). The largest declines were in transportation and warehousing (-23,900); business, building and other support services (-22,500); and public administration (-21,600).

 

On a regional basis, employment fell in 5 of 10 provinces. At each end of the spectrum, Alberta posted a gain of 13,900 jobs, and Ontario a loss of 16,600.

 

Average hourly wages for permanent workers rose by 2.2% in December, up from 2.1% in November.

 

Despite the disappointing numbers in December (markets were expecting a gain of 20,000), Canada's economy added 33,300 net new jobs in the final quarter of 2009.