Employment in Canada was little changed in April, edging down by 1,100 jobs from March to a total of more than 18.6 million jobs, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. A loss of 30,000 part-time jobs in April offset a gain of 28,800 full-time jobs. On a year-over-year basis, April employment increased by 278,300 jobs on a gain of 378,300 full-time jobs and a loss of 100,000 part-time jobs.

The number of employed women over 25 increased by 37,200 in April from March, while employment among youths ages 15 to 24 fell by 22,500.

In April, more people worked in professional, scientific and technical services, as well as in accommodation and food services; in contrast, employment declined in wholesale and retail trade and in construction. The number of public and private sector employees and the number of self-employed workers were little changed.

The unemployment rate remained at 5.8% in April, unchanged from March.

Employment rose in Manitoba and Nova Scotia, while it declined in Saskatchewan.