Employment in Canada was almost unchanged, edging down by just 4,300 job in December from November, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The number of full-time jobs rose by approximately 53,500, but the number of part-time jobs fell by approximately 57,700. Total employment was approximately 17.9 million.

The Canadian unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in December, unchanged from November.

Fewer people worked in accommodation and food services as well as “other services” in December. At the same time, employment increased in agriculture, public administration and natural resources.

Employment in Ontario fell by 3,500 in December for total employment of about 6.7 million. Ontario gained 3,200 full-time jobs but lost 6,600 part-time jobs during the month. Ontario’s unemployment rate remained at 7.0 percent in December, unchanged from November.

Saskatchewan posted the lowest unemployment rate among all provinces in December at 3.6 percent.