Canadian employment rose by approximately 40,000 in December, the fourth increase in five months, for total employment of almost 17.7 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. December’s increase was all in full-time work.

The Canadian unemployment rate fell to 7.1 percent in December — the lowest in four years — from 7.2 percent in November.

Ontario gained almost 33,000 jobs in December for total employment of nearly 6.9 million. However, unlike the country as a whole, Ontario’s gains were mainly in part-time jobs. Ontario added 26,500 part-time jobs in December and 6,300 full-time jobs.

Ontario’s unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in December, unchanged from November.

Alberta posted the lowest unemployment rates among all provinces in December at 4.5 percent.