Canada added 2,300 jobs in January leaving total employment virtually unchanged at 17.4 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers reported today by Statistics Canada. However, the unemployment rate edged up to 7.6 percent in January from 7.5 percent in December, as more people participated in the labor market.

January’s employment gains came among part-time jobs. Canada added 5,900 part-time jobs in the month, which more than offset a loss of 3,600 full-time jobs.

Among industries, educational services added the most jobs in January with employment rising by 22,800.

Ontario lost 7,500 jobs in January compared to December leaving little change to total employment of approximately 6.7 million in January. Ontario added 7,000 part-time jobs, but the gain was more than offset by a loss of 14,500 full-time jobs.

Quebec added 9,500 jobs in December for total employment of 3.9 million. Quebec’s unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent in January from 8.7 percent in December.

Alberta posted the lowest unemployment rate among all provinces in January at 4.9 percent.