Canadian employment beats expectations. USD/CAD supported

Employment rose by 67,000 (+0.4%) in September, with most of the increase in part-time work. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.0%, as more people participated in the labour market.

In the third quarter of 2016, employment gains totalled 62,000 (+0.3%). This followed little change in employment in the second quarter and a slight increase of 33,000 (+0.2%) in the first quarter.

Compared with 12 months earlier, employment rose by 139,000 (+0.8%), with most of the gains in part-time work. Over the same period, the total number of hours worked edged up 0.2%.

In September, there were more employed people aged 55 and older. At the same time, there was little change in employment among both the 15-to-24 and 25-to-54 age groups.

Provincially, employment rose in Quebec, Alberta and New Brunswick. There was little change in the other provinces.

In September, more people worked in public administration, educational services, and transportation and warehousing. At the same time, employment declined in health care and social assistance.

Self-employment increased in September, while there was little change in the number of private and public sector employees.