Canada added 48,300 jobs in January from December, building on gains observed in the latter part of 2016, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The number of full-time jobs rose by 15,800 in January, following a significant increase in December; part-time jobs rose by 32,400.

Compared to the same month a year ago, Canada employment rose by 276,100 jobs in January, an increase of 1.5%, with most of the increase occurring from August to January.

“Canadian employment surprised yet again in January,” The Conference Board of Canada’s Chief Economist Craig Alexander said in a statement. “The strong job creation is consistent with expectations for solid economic growth this year, so long as the geo-political risks — such as increased US protectionism — do not come to fruition.”

Nearly all of the employment growth in January came from the service sector, with increases in finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing; business, building and other support services; transportation and warehousing; and public administration. Employment declined in information, culture and recreation.

Total employment in Canada was almost 18.3 million in January.

Provincially, employment rose in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Employment declined in New Brunswick and was little changed in the remaining provinces.

Employment in Ontario rose by 28,800 jobs in January when compared to the previous month; the province gained 5,300 full-time jobs and 23,500 part-time jobs. Ontario’s unemployment rate remained at 6.4%.