Canadian employment rose by 59,200 jobs in August to almost 17.77 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. Full-time employment rose by 17,400 jobs whle part-time employment rose by 41,800 jobs.

Over the six months to August, employment gains averaged 12,000 per month, lower than the average of 29,000 gained during the preceding six-month period.

Employment gains were concentrated among people aged 55 and over, while there was little change among youths and people aged 25 to 54.

Ontario gained 43,600 jobs in August for total employment of more than 6.9 million. Ontario gained 5,500 full-time jobs and 38,200 part-time jobs during the month. Ontario’s unemployment rate edged down to 7.5 percent in August from 7.6 percent in July.

Saskatchewan posted the lowest unemployment rate among all provinces at 4.2 percent in August. Alberta followed at 4.8 percent.