Canada lost 2,300 jobs in February as losses in full-time work offset a gain in part-time jobs, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The number of full-time jobs fell by 51,800 in February, but part-time jobs rose by 49,500.

Compared to the same month a year ago, Canada was up by 117,900 jobs — an increase of 1.1% — in February.

Canada’s unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point for the third consecutive month, reaching 7.3% for the first time since March 2013.

Total employment in Canada was approximately 18.0 million in February.

By province, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island registered employment declines, whereas British Columbia recorded an increase. There was little change in the remaining provinces.

Employment in Ontario fell by 11,200 jobs in February when compared to the previous month; the province lost 48,900 full-time jobs but gained 37,700 part-time jobs. Ontario’s unemployment rate edged up to 6.8% in February from 6.7% in January.