Statistics Canada released the labour market data on Friday. Canada's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.8% in March, in line with expectations.

The number of employed people increased by 28,700 jobs in March, exceeding expectations for a gain of 100 jobs, after a 1,000 decline in February.

The gain was driven by an increase in part-time jobs.

Full-time employment in March declined by 28,200 jobs, while part-time work rose by 56,800.

The manufacturing sector cut 16,500 jobs in March, while natural resources added 6,300 jobs.

The services sector added 45,300 jobs, while the construction sector shed 12,100 jobs.

Self-employment declined by 17,000.

The labour participation rate rose to 65.9% in March from 65.8 in February.

The Bank of Canada monitors closely the labour participation rate.