Canada added 30,000 jobs in February despite concerns over the spreading coronavirus, while its unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 5.6 percent, according to government data released Friday.
Statistics Canada said there were more people working in wholesale and retail trade, in manufacturing (for a second consecutive month), as well as in information, culture and recreation.
At the same time, employment declined in professional, scientific and technical services and in accommodation and food services.
"Canada ended the last of the pre-virus jobs reports with a flourish, as a strong month for employment and a healthy wage gain showed that everything was fine in the labour market," said CIBC analyst Avery Shenfeld.
According to Statistics Canada, the February job gains were mostly in Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Manitoba provinces.
More youth found jobs (+22,000), but the youth unemployment rate held steady at 10.3 percent. There was no net change in job figures for other demographics or regions.
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