Canada’s employment fell -33,000, well below expectations of a 12,000 increase, and the unemployment rate increased 0.1 ppts to 6.7% in March.

• Employment declined in wholesale and retail trade (-29,000; -1.0% MoM), as well as information, culture and recreation (-20,000; -2.4% MoM).
• The employment decline in March was driven by a drop in full-time work (-62,000; -0.4% MoM).
• Private sector employment fell by 48,000 (-0.3% MoM), and public sector employment was little changed for a third consecutive month.
• There were increases in the 'other services', such as personal and repair services (+12,000; +1.5% MoM) and utilities (+4,200; +2.8% MoM).
• Total hours worked rose 0.4% MoM in March, following a decline of -1.3% MoM in February. On a year-over-year basis, total hours worked were up 1.2%.
• Average hourly wages among employees were up 3.6% YoY (+$1.24 to $36.05) in March, following growth of 3.8% YoY in February.