Canada unemployment steady at 7 percent in August

(MENAFN- Arab Times) OTTAWA Sept 5 (AFP): Canada's unemployment rate remained at seven percent in August as the country unexpectedly shed 11000 jobs last month the government said Friday. Analysts had expected a much rosier economic picture forecasting the creation of 10000 posts following the 41700 added in July. Full-time jobs declined by 2300 compared to the previous month while part-time positions dropped by 8700 Statistics Canada said. Overall the labor participation rate was 66 percent down 0.1 percent from July. Year-on-year however employment increased by 81000 or 0.5 percent mostly in part-time positions. Employment declined among young people aged 15 to 24 in August as well as among women aged 25 to 54. But men aged 25 to 54 saw an uptick in jobs edging that group's unemployment rate down by 0.2 percent. Fewer people were employed in wholesale and retail trade transportation and warehousing but gains were seen in construction services and public administration.