Features Workforce Statistics
National unemployment rate stays steady in April at 6.1 per cent: Statistics Canada

Canada’s unemployment rate was unchanged in April, sitting at 6.1 per cent, as employment increased by 90,000 in the month, according to Statistics Canada.

In April, employment rose among core-aged men (25 to 54 years old) (up 41,000; +0.6 per cent) and women (up 27,000; +0.4 per cent) as well as for male youth aged 15 to 24 (up 39,000; +2.8 per cent). There were fewer women aged 55 and older employed (down 16,000; -0.8 per cent), while employment was little changed among men aged 55 and older and female youth (aged 15 to 24).

Employment gains in April were driven by part-time employment (up 50,000; +1.4 per cent).

Employment increased in April in professional, scientific and technical services (up 26,000; +1.3 per cent), accommodation and food services (up 24,000; +2.2 per cent), health care and social assistance (up 17,000; +0.6 per cent) and natural resources (up 7,700; +2.3 per cent), while it fell in utilities (down 5,000; -3.1 per cent).

Employment increased in Ontario (up 25,000; +0.3 per cent), British Columbia (up 23,000; +0.8 per cent), Quebec (up 19,000 +0.4 per cent) and New Brunswick (up 7,800; +2.0 per cent) in April. It was little changed in the other provinces.

Total hours worked rose 0.8 per cent in April and were up 1.2 per cent compared with 12 months earlier.

Average hourly wages among employees increased 4.7 per cent (+$1.57 to $34.95) on a year-over-year basis in April, following growth of 5.1 per cent in March (not seasonally adjusted).