Canadian employment fell by 6,400 jobs in July from June, Statistics Canada reported today. The country lost 8,100 part-time jobs, but that was partially offset by a gain of 1,700 full-time jobs. Total employment in Canada stood at nearly 20.2 million. 

Canada’s unemployment rate edged upward to 5.5% in July from 5.4% in June, marking the third consecutive monthly increase. 

Among the industries, healthcare and social assistance added 25,100 jobs in July; educational services added 18,800 jobs; and employment in “finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing” increased by 15,000. Industries with declines in employment included construction, down 44,700 jobs; public administration, down 16,700; and “information, culture and recreation,” down 15,800 jobs. 

The number of private-sector jobs fell by 17,500 in July, and the number of self-employed fell by 5,900. However, the public sector added 17,100 jobs. 

Alberta led employment growth among the provinces by adding 11,800 jobs in July.