The Canadian economy added 41,000 jobs in February, fuelled by strong population growth that continues to outpace employment gains.
The federal agency’s labour force survey released Friday says the unemployment rate rose to 5.8 per cent, offsetting the decline recorded in January.
Job gains were spread across several industries in the services-producing sector, with the strongest employment growth in accommodation and food services.
Employment increased in Alberta and Nova Scotia, but declined in Manitoba. There was little change among other provinces.
High interest rates are putting a drag on the economy, as consumers pull back spending, causing a slowdown in sales for businesses. But strong population growth appears to be offsetting some of those effects, including in the labour market.
“Today’s report is certainly impressive at first blush, particularly the towering rise in full-time…
