Statistics Canada released new job numbers, which showed that Canada’s employment was little changed last month as the economy lost a modest 17,000 jobs. The report shows that wages continue to rise across Canada, with the average hourly wages up 5.1 per cent compared to a year ago.
In Alberta, the unemployment rate fell 0.2 pts to 5.7 per cent, and the construction industry led the monthly employment change by industry with +9.5 thousand jobs. The province also saw the largest increase in labour force participation among women with children ages 0-5. You can explore the numbers with the interactive dashboard.
Statistics Canada’s report on Labour productivity showed Canadian businesses fell -0.6% in the first quarter of 2023, a similar decrease to that recorded in the previous quarter (-0.5%) and the fourth consecutive quarterly decline.
Canada’s construction sector labour productivity fell -1.2%. The construction industry did see positive growth in real gross domestic product (+0.3%), hours worked (+1.5%), and total compensation per hour worked (+0.5%).
12 of the 16 main industry sectors recorded decreased labour productivity in the first quarter. Only arts, entertainment and recreation (+3.7%), information and cultural industries (+3.2%), accommodation and food services (+2.5%) and retail trade (+1.1%) posted increases in their productivity.
Statistics Canada’s report on building permits showed that the total monthly value of building permits in Canada dropped 18.8% to $9.6 billion in April, the lowest level since December 2020. Alberta saw a drop of 12% to $1,067.8 million in April. You can explore the numbers with the interactive dashboard.
Statistics Canada also released its concise monthly summary of selected Canadian economic events and international and financial market developments, the Canadian Economic News. This month’s edition highlighted the impacts of wildfires on Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.
