Canadian employment increased in August by 81,100 jobs. An increase in the participation rate kept the unemployment rate unchanged at 5.7%. Leading the increase in August was part-time employment (57,200) and almost entirely in the private sector on the service side. Regionally, the largest gains in employment were reported in Ontario (57,800) and Quebec (19,700). 

In contrast, employment in BC fell by 8,300 jobs in August. This marks the third consecutive monthly decline. The August decline was driven by part-time employment, raising the provincial unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points to 5%. Compared to one year ago, employment in BC is up 3% (73,800 jobs).   

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.