Canada added 44,400 jobs in October from September, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The increase follows four months of little change.

The number of full-time jobs rose by 9,000 in October and part-time jobs rose by 35,400.

Compared to the same month a year ago, Canada was up by 143,400 jobs — an increase of 0.8% — in October.

Canada’s unemployment rate edged down to 7.0% from 7.1% in September. Employment rose in public administration, wholesale and retail trade, as well as accommodation and food services. Employment declined in the “other services” industry, natural resources and utilities.

Total employment in Canada was approximately 18.0 million.

Provincially, employment rose in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Manitoba, while Alberta reported a decline.

Employment in Ontario rose by 29,200 jobs in October when compared to the previous month; the province gained 26,800 full-time and 2,300 part-time jobs in October. Ontario’s unemployment rate edged down to 6.8% in October from 6.9% in September.