The number of people employed in Canada rose by 35,900 to almost 16.9 million in April amid an increase in self-employment, Statistics Canada reported today. Those reporting themselves self-employed rose by 37,000 while the number of people employed by others fell by 1,100.

Canada's unemployment rate remained unchanged month-over-month in April at 8.0%, still a seven-year high.

Employment in Ontario fell by 3,000 to 6.5 million in April. Ontario's jobless rate was unchanged month-over-month at 8.7%.

Manitoba posted the lowest unemployment rate of all provinces at 4.6%.