In the 12 months to December, employment increased by 163,000 (+0.9%), entirely driven by gains in full-time work (+185,000 or +1.2%). Over the same period, total hours worked rose 0.9%.

In December, employment increased in Newfoundland and Labrador, while it fell in Alberta, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Little change was observed in the other provinces.

While employment held steady overall, increases were recorded in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, as well as in health care and social assistance. At the same time, there were declines in wholesale and retail trade as well as in public administration.

The number of employees was little changed in the public and private sectors, while self-employment increased.