According to a recent Statistics Canada report, employment in the construction industry dropped 2.1 per cent (27,000 jobs) in May, while the overall unemployment rate remained steady at 7.3 per cent.
The decline in the construction sector offset similar gains experienced in April.
Construction employment levels experienced a 1.1-per cent increase when compared to 12-months earlier (13,400 jobs), while overall employment levels increased by 1.2 per cent (203,400 jobs) over the same time period.
Manufacturing led all sectors, increasing by 36,000 positions or 2 per cent, in May, while educational services sector also experienced significant gains, up 25,700 positions for an increase of 2.1 per cent.
While most provinces experienced little overall change in employment levels when compared to the previous month, New Brunswick (5,300 jobs or 1.5 per cent) and Alberta (9,800 jobs or 0.5 per cent) experienced the most significant gains, while Prince Edward Island had the most significant decline at 1.4 per cent (down 1,000 positions).
The employment rate for men aged 25 and over was up 19,000 jobs when compared to the previous month, while the employment level for women aged 25 and over was unchanged.
To read the full report, click here.
Source: Statistics Canada.
