Employment in Canada increased by 37,300 jobs in January for total employment of nearly 33.1 million following three months of little change, Statistics Canada reported today. Gains were all in part-time employment, with the country adding 48,900 jobs while full-time employment fell by 11,600.

Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in January from 5.8% in December 2023. It marked the first decline since December 2022.

Wholesale and retail trade led employment growth among industries in January, adding 31,900 jobs, followed by “finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing” and educational services, which added 28,100 and 27,700 jobs, respectively. Industries with declines in employment included accommodation and food services, down 30,300 jobs, and “professional, scientific and technical services,” down 16,500 jobs.

Employment in the public sector rose by 47,600 jobs in January, while the private sector added 7,400 jobs. However, the number of self-employed fell by 17,700.

Among the provinces, Ontario led employment gains in January, adding 23,800 jobs. On the other hand, employment in Quebec fell by 7,500 jobs.