Following three consecutive months of increases, Canada’s employment was little changed in July, at 17.34 million, Statistics Canada reported today. On a year-over-year basis, Canadian employment rose by 252,000, or 1.5 percent in July.

The unemployment rate fell to 7.2 percent from 7.4 percent, as fewer people participated in the labor market.

The construction industry added 31,000 in July, following three months of little change. Since last year, the industry has added 66,000 jobs (+5.3%).

Employment in transportation and warehousing rose for the second consecutive month, up 28,000 in July. Year over year, the sector is up 7.2 percent, the highest growth rate of all industries.

Retail and wholesale trade added 28,000 jobs in July, reaching year-ago levels.

Manufacturing jobs edged up in July. Over the past 12 months, the number of workers in this industry rose by 1.2% (+22,000).

Following a long-term upward trend, the healthcare and social assistance sector shed 39,000 jobs in July, bringing it to just 0.7 percent growth over July 2010.

Educational services lost 30,000 jobs in July, all in elementary and secondary schools.

Employment also fell in business, building and other support services (-14,000), natural resources (-11,000) as well as agriculture (-9,000).