Statistics Canada released the labour market data on Friday. Canada's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.6% in December, in line with expectations.

The number of employed people decreased by 4,300 in December, missing expectations for a gain of 10,300, after a 10,700 decline in November.

Full-time employment in December increased by 53,500 jobs, while part-time work decreased by 57,700.

The labour participation rate fell to 65.9% in December, the lowest since October 2001.

Canada's economy increased 5,100 private-sector jobs in December and added 5,500 positions in the public sector. The number of self-employed workers decreased by 14,900 jobs.