Employment in Canada was little changed in May, edging down by 7,500 jobs from April to a total of almost than 18.6 million jobs, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. A loss of 31,000 part-time jobs in May offset a gain of 23,600 full-time jobs. On a year-over-year basis, May employment increased by 238,200 jobs on a gain of 289,700 full-time jobs and a loss of 51,500 part-time jobs.

The number of employed people decreased in the core working ages of 25 to 54 in May from April, while it increased for people aged 55 and older. Employment was little changed among youth aged 15 to 24.

More people worked in four industries in May: accommodation and food services; professional, scientific and technical services; transportation and warehousing; and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing. On the flip side, employment declined in healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, construction, and “other services.” The numbers for public and private sector employees, as well as the number of self-employed workers, were little changed.

The unemployment rate remained at 5.8% in May for the fourth consecutive month.

Employment rose in Prince Edward Island, while it declined in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. There was little change in the other provinces.

In Ontario, employment rose by 1,000 in May compared to the previous month. The province added 20,900 full-time jobs and lost 19,900 part-time jobs. The unemployment rate for Ontario rose to 5.7% in May from 5.6% in April.