Canadian jobs slows as shutdowns bite, but analysts see signs of resilience

Full-time employment rose by 69,100 jobs while part-time employment was up by 14,500 positions.

Canada added fewer jobs than expected in October as coronavirus-related shutdowns started to bite but analysts said the gain reflected welcome signs of resilience in the economy.

Statistics Canada on Friday reported 83,600 new jobs and said the unemployment rate had dipped to 8.9%. Analysts in a Reuters poll had predicted a gain of 100,000 jobs and for the unemployment rate to fall to 8.8% from 9.0%.

Statscan compiled the data during the week of October 11-17, by which point major provinces such as Ontario and Quebec had started imposing new restrictions on restaurants, bars and recreational facilities.

Andrew Kelvin, chief Canada strategist