Canada's employment edged up in February by 15,100 to more than 17.2 million jobs, Statistics Canada reported today. The unemployment rate of 7.8 percent in February was unchanged from January.

Part-time employment rose by 38,900 in February, partly offset by a decline of 23,800 full-time jobs.

The services-producing sector added 1,100 jobs in February. The healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services industries led the category in job gains in February, at 17,800 and 15,300 jobs, respectively. Meanwhile, employment in business, building and other support services fell by 34,500 in February, offsetting gains of similar magnitude in January. Employment in public administration fell by 13,500 in February, also offsetting most of its increase in January.

The goods-producing sector gained 13,900 jobs in February, about 9,000 of which were in the manufacturing employment category. Construction gained 6,100 jobs.

Alberta was the only province with a notable employment gain in February, up 13,700. Employment declined in Saskatchewan by 3,300 jobs. All other provinces experienced little change.

Manitoba posted the lowest jobless rate among all provinces in February at 5.3 percent.