Employment in Canada rose by 40,700 jobs in February to a total of 20.4 million, Statistics Canada reported today. February’s employment growth was driven by full-time jobs, which added 70,600 jobs, while the country lost 29,900 part-time jobs.

However, Canada’s unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage point to 5.8% in February, offsetting the decline recorded in January. 

Reuters reports employment doubled the expected gain in February. Economists had forecast a net gain of 20,000 jobs and for the unemployment rate to edge up to 5.8%. However, wage growth slowed.

The number of public-sector employees rose by 0.4%, or 18,800, while private-sector employment fell by 0.1%, or 16,400 jobs. In February, the number of self-employed workers increased by 1.5%, or 38,300 jobs.

Accommodation and food services led employment growth among industries, adding 26,200 jobs, while “professional, scientific and technical services” added 17,900 jobs in February, offsetting a decline of 17,000 in January. Industries with declines in employment included educational services, down 17,000 jobs, and wholesale and retail trade, down 16,800 jobs.

Among the provinces, Alberta led employment growth in February, adding 17,400 jobs. On the flip side, employment in Manitoba declined by 5,300, following an increase in January.