In its most recent labor force survey, the federal statistics agency (StatCan) reported that the unemployment rate reached its highest level since 2016, with the exception of the high unemployment rates observed during 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, according to Radio Canada International report.
The creation of 58,000 new full-time jobs was affected by the loss of 49,000 part-time positions, leaving a balance of only 8,800 new jobs in the domestic economy, a figure slightly above that reported in April.
The number of people hired in the private sector increased in May for the first time since the beginning of the year, while public sector employment fell due to the conclusion of the federal election period, which increased seasonal hiring.
Wholesale and retail trade led the way in job creation, with 42,800 positions, while the information, culture, and entertainment sector gained 19,300.
Public administration lost 32,200 jobs, and the manufacturing sector, one of the most vulnerable due to the imposition of US tariffs, lost an additional 12,200 jobs in May, following the closure of 31,000 others in April.
According to StatCan, young people face a difficult start to the summer job market, with the unemployment rate for students returning to school also rising to 20.1 percent.
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