Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2 per cent in September, according to Statistics Canada.
Its latest labour force survey, released Friday, showed employment was little changed across the country.
But fewer people were searching for work, which bumped the unemployment rate down 0.2 percentage points.
Employment fell for a second consecutive month among young women aged 15 to 24, but increased among male youth and core-aged women aged 25 to 54.
Gains in educational services and health care and social assistance were offset by losses in manufacturing; information, culture and recreation; transportation and warehousing and public administration.
Employment rose in the public sector but was little changed in the private sector and among self-employed workers.
Year-over-year wage growth remained above five per cent for the fourth straight month. The average hourly wages of employees rose by 5.2 per cent to $31.67.
Breakdown by province
Employment increased in four provinces in September, including New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
New Brunswick added 2,900 jobs, mainly in full-time employment, as the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 per cent from 7.6 per cent the previous month.
In Nova Scotia, the unemployment rate dropped from 7.6 per cent in August to 6.2 per cent in September. The province lost 3,200 full-time jobs but added 7,500 part-time positions for a net gain of 4,300.
The unemployment rate rose by a full percentage point to 8.3 per cent. The province added 700 part-time jobs but lost 4,500 full-time positions for a net loss of 3,800.
Ontario was one of two provinces to see its employment decrease in September. The province added just 3,500 full-time jobs and lost 35,000 part-time positions for a net loss of 31,500.
However, the unemployment rate remained almost unchanged, inching up to 5.8 per cent from 5.7 per cent the month before.
You can view the full labour force survey by clicking here.
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