The unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 5.6%, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1976.

In the 12 months to November, employment grew by 219,000 or 1.2%, reflecting gains in full-time work (+227,000 or +1.5%). Over the same period, total hours worked were up 2.1%.

Employment increased in six provinces, led by Quebec and Alberta, and was little changed in the four Atlantic provinces.

More people worked in professional, scientific and technical services; health care and social assistance; construction; business, building and other support services; transportation and warehousing; and agriculture. At the same time, fewer people worked in information, culture and recreation.

Employment increased for private sector employees, while it was little changed for public sector employees. The number of self-employed was also little changed.

Employment increased for both core-aged women and men (aged 25 to 54), as well as for older people (aged 55 and over)—driven by men.