The number of jobs in Canada rose by more than 82,000 in March to approximately 17.4 million, Statistics Canada reported today. Canada added 70,000 full-time jobs and 12,400 part-time jobs over the month.

The jobless rate fell to 7.2 percent in March from 7.4 percent in February amid an increase in the number of people searching for work.

Ontario gained 46,100 jobs in March for total employment of 6.8 million. The province gained 47,900 full-time jobs but lost 1,800 part-time jobs. Ontario’s unemployment rate in March was at its lowest level in three years, 7.4 percent, down from 7.6 percent in February.

Saskatchewan posted the lowest jobless rates among all provinces at 4.8 percent. Manitoba and Alberta were tied for the second-lowest rate at 5.3 percent.