The gain in April was of a similar magnitude to
some of the monthly losses observed in the most recent
employment downturn, which began in the fall of 2008.
The employment increase in April brings
total gains since the start of the upward trend in
July 2009 to 285,000.
In April, two-thirds of the employment growth was
among men aged 25 and over (+72,000), the strongest
monthly increase for this group since comparable data
became available in 1976.
Employment growth in April was in both part-time
(+65,000) and full-time (+44,000) work. Since July 2009,
growth has been concentrated in full-time work.
All of April’s increase was among employees in the
private sector.
Employment rose in a number of industries in April
with wholesale and retail trade; business, building and
Note to readers
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are based on a
sample, and are therefore subject to sampling variability.
Estimates for smaller geographic areas or industries will have
more variability. For an explanation of sampling variability
of estimates, and how to use standard errors to assess this
variability, consult the “Data quality” section of the publication
Labour Force Information (71-001-X, free).
Unless otherwise stated, this release presents seasonally
adjusted data, which eases comparisons by removing the effects
of seasonal variations.
other support services; and construction leading the
way.
Employment grew in all provinces in April, with the
largest increases in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia,
Alberta and Manitoba.
Compared with a year earlier, average hourly wages
were up 2.0% in April, a rate of growth similar to those
observed since January 2010.
Unemployment rate
%
2007 2008 2009 2010
Employment growth led by men and youth
Employment growth in April was primarily among
men aged 25 and over and youth, while there was little
change for women.