Canada’s unemployment rate jumped to 6.8 per cent in November, up 0.3 percentage points, as more people searched for work.
Statistics Canada says that was the highest unemployment rate since January 2017, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, employment rose by 51,000 in November, with gains concentrated in full-time work, according to the latest labour force survey.
There were increases in wholesale and retail trade, construction, professional, scientific and technical services, education services, and accommodation and food services. Employment declined in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing and natural resources, said StatCan.
After falling for six consecutive months, the employment rate held steady at 60.6 per cent as employment growth kept pace with population growth. The employment rate is the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed.
Average hourly wages among employees increased 4.1 per cent, or $1.40, on a year-over-year basis to $35.68.
At look at some of the provincial numbers
New Brunswick gained 1,200 full-time and lost 2,100 part-time positions for an overall decrease of 1,000.
That pushed the unemployment rate up by 0.1 percentage point to 6.9 per cent, according to StatCan.
Nova Scotia lost 4,300 full-time jobs but gained 4,900 part-time positions for a net increase of 600.
The province’s unemployment rate fell slightly to 6.1 per cent, down from 6.2 per cent the month before.
Prince Edward Island gained 2,700 jobs as the unemployment rate fell to eight per cent from 10 per cent in October.
In Ontario, the province lost 9,900 full-time jobs and gained 4,100 part-time positions for a net decrease of 5,700.
The unemployment rate jumped to 7.6 per cent from 6.8 per cent in October.
The full report can be found on Statistics Canada’s website.
