Employment in Canada rose by 31,800 to a total of more than 18.6 million jobs in June, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The surge follows two months of little change.

Part-time jobs rose by 22,700 in June while full-time employment posted a gain of 9,100 jobs. On a year-over-year basis, June employment increased by a rounded figure of 214,900 jobs on a gain of 284,100 full-time jobs and a loss of 69,100 part-time jobs.

More people were employed in construction, natural resources, and manufacturing; at the same time, employment decreased in accommodation and food services, and in agriculture. There was little change in the number of employees in both the private and public sectors, as well as in self-employment.

The number of employed people increased for men aged 55 and older, while it held steady for the other demographic groups.

The unemployment rate increased to 6.0% in June from 5.8% in May.

Employment increased in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. There was little change in the other provinces.

In Ontario, employment rose by 35,000 in June. With more people looking for work, the unemployment rate in Ontario increased to 5.9% in June from 5.7% in May.