More jobs created, but more workers returning to the labour force
The rate of unemployment in Canada remained stable to 7.4 per cent in June with strength in job-creation balanced by a larger workforce, according to Statistics Canada.
Twenty-eight thousand new jobs were created in June, with adult women benefiting the most. Employment was up in both the public sector (by 50,700) and private sector (by 21,900); self-employment was down by 44,000.
The bulk of the employment gains came in transportation and warehousing, which was up 14,500 on the month and 42,900 since last June. Professional, scientific and technical services fell by 19,200. Both construction and manufacturing saw little change.
Among the provinces, Ontario added 40,300 jobs and Alberta 22,000. The rest of the country experienced less change.
Average hours worked in June were 35.5, up marginally from 35.4 last year. The average hourly wage was $22.72, up 2.0 per cent from $22.28 in June of 2010.
In the United States, employment was almost unchanged in June with only 18,000 jobs created to leave the unemployment rate up 0.1 at 9.2 per cent.
Average weekly hours in the U.S. were 34.3 in June, up from 34.1 last year but down from May. Average hourly wages were $22.99, up 1.9 per cent from $22.54 last year.
