Canada April Job Losses Rise

Canada's economy experienced a decline in employment in April, shedding 18,000 jobs, which contributed to a net loss of 112,000 jobs over the first four months of the year. The unemployment rate rose to 6.9 percent, returning to its October level, primarily due to more people seeking employment. While Canada — Ontario saw job gains, these were offset by significant losses in Canada — Quebec, particularly in the wholesale, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors. Canada — Statistics Canada also reported a 4.5 percent increase in average hourly wages year-over-year.