Canada lost more than 34,000 jobs in December, with total employment at 17.1 million, Statistics Canada reported Friday. Canada's unemployment rate rose to 6.6% in December from 6.3% in November.

The number of full-time jobs fell by some 70,700 in December, but part-time jobs increased by approximately 36,200, according to Statistics Canada. Among industries, the construction sector lost the most jobs — down 44,300 in December.

Ontario gained approximately 1,800 jobs in December, but its unemployment rate edged up to 7.2% in December from 7.1% in November.

Alberta continued to register the lowest jobless rate among provinces in December at 4.1%, up from 3.4% in the previous month.