The employment rate is on the rise again in Canada, according to data from the most recent Labor Force Survey (LFS) from Statistics Canada.
After a decline attributable to the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of jobs in Canada increased by 337,000 in February. This increase was mainly observed in the private sector, particularly in accommodation and food services.
Employment also grew in the information, culture and recreation sector, especially in Ontario and Quebec. In these two provinces, gyms and fitness centers have been able to reopen their doors, among other things.
For a third consecutive month, employment rose in the goods sector. No less than 44,000 positions have been filled.
For the first time, total hours worked exceeded the number of hours worked recorded in February 2020 with an increase of 3.6%.
According to Statistics Canada, employment increased in eight provinces, but remained stable in Alberta and New Brunswick.
After reaching a record high in January (10.0%), the proportion of people absent from work due to illness or disability fell to 6.2% during the week from 13 to February 19.
Record for women
Core-aged women have a record employment rate of 81%, mostly in educational services. While women have regained the jobs they lost at the start of the pandemic in Canada, they still face inequalities in the labor market.
A recent RBC report highlights that the gender pay gap remains virtually unchanged from pre-pandemic levels. According to the study, women aged 25 to 54 with young children under six earned 87% of every dollar earned by fathers.Unemployment rate down
The unemployment rate fell to 5.5%, lower than the rate recorded in February 2020 (5.7%) and close to the lowest level ever recorded (5.4%) in May 2019. The number of unemployed therefore stood at 1.14 million in February in Canada.
Statistics Canada data also show that for a fourth consecutive month, the number of long-term unemployed also fell by 51,000 (-19.4%) in February 2022.