According to employment statistics released by Statistics Canada on September 8, the number of employed people increased by 40,000 people (up 0.2%) in August, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5%. The unemployment rate had been rising for three consecutive months in May, June, and July, but has stopped decreasing for the first time in four months.
By industry, employment increased by 52,000 people (2.8%) in professional, scientific, and technical services and 34,000 people (2.2%) in construction. On the other hand, the number decreased by 44,000 (2.9%) in the education services industry and 30,000 (1.6%) in the manufacturing industry.
By region, the number of deaths increased by 18,000 (0.7%) in Alberta, 12,000 (0.4%) in British Columbia, 1,800 (2.0%) in Prince Edward Island, and 3,600 in Nova Scotia. The number of self-employed people increased by 50,000 people (up 1.9%) in August, the first significant increase in nine months.
The average hourly wage increased by 4.9% in August, increasing by $1.56 to $33.47, following a 5.0% increase in July.