Canada adds 81,100 new jobs in August; unemployment rate stays at 5.7 percent

Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the number of employed people surged by 81,100 m-o-m in August, while economists had forecast a gain of 15,000 and after an unrevised drop of 24,200 in the previous month.

Meanwhile, Canada's unemployment remained unchanged at 5.7 percent, in line with economists’ forecast.

According to the report, full-time employment increased by 23,800 (or +0.2 percent m-o-m) in August, while part-time jobs climbed by 57,200 (or +1.6 percent m-o-m).

In August, the number of private-sector employees surged by 94,300 (+0.8 percent m-o-m), while the number of public sector employees dropped by 2,100 (-0.1 percent m-o-m). At the same time, the number of self-employed decreased by 11,200 (-0.4 percent m-o-m) last month.

Sector-wise, there were more people employed in finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+22,400) educational services (+20,500), and in professional, scientific and technical services (+16,800). In contrast, employment declined in business, building and other support services (-22,300).

On a year-over-year basis, employment grew by 471,000 (+2.5 percent) in August, driven by gains in both full- (+306,000 or +2.0 percent) and part-time work (+165,000 or +4.8 percent).