Canada’s economy added 60,000 jobs in September, with gains led by manufacturing

Statistics Canada said Friday that Canada’s economy added 60,000 jobs in September, beating expectations mainly due to a tariff-weakened manufacturing sector.

The data agency said 28,000 jobs were added in the manufacturing sector, the first increase in employment in the industry since January and after the US trade war forced it to grapple with the loss of thousands of jobs.

The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.1 percent in August. While part-time employment declined by 46,000, about 106,000 full-time jobs were added.

Gains were also seen in health care and social assistance, which added 14,000 jobs, and agriculture, which added 13,000 jobs. However, these were partially offset by declines in wholesale and retail trade employment, which led to the loss of 21,000 jobs.

Alberta gained more jobs than any other province, adding 43,000 jobs.

The average hourly wage increased 3.3 percent, or $1.17, to $36.78 compared to the same period last year.

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