Analysts expected the stable unemployment rate, but had forecast fewer net new jobs in the month, following a small loss in February.
According to Statistics Canada, employment rose in the western prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Overall there were more people working in retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, educational services and natural resources in March.
At the same time, fewer people were working in construction, public administration and agriculture.
The number of public sector workers increased, while little change was recorded in the number of private sector employees and the self-employed.
As well, employment among women aged 55 and older edged up.