The number of jobs rose in Quebec by 22,000 in August as its unemployment rate edged up to 7.1 per cent from 7.0%, while Newfoundland and Labrador gained 4,000 jobs in the month as its unemployment rate moved down to 12.3% from 12.8%. New Brunswick lost 3,000 jobs, with its unemployment rate dropping to 9.4% from 9.7%.

Statistics Canada said there was little change in the other provinces, but noted that Ontario saw an increase in its unemployment rate to 6.7% from 6.4% in July as more people sought work.

The number of public sector employees jumped 57,000 in August, while the number of private sector jobs increased 8,300. The number of self-employed workers slipped by 39,100.

The jobs report follows the Bank of Canada’s decision earlier this week to keep its key overnight interest rate target steady at 0.5% where it has been for more than a year.

In making its decision, the central bank raised concern about the strength of the Canadian economic recovery, noting that a drop in exports earlier this year was larger and more broad-based than expected. However, the Bank of Canada says it still expects a “substantial rebound” in the economy in the second half of the year.

Here’s what happened provincially (previous month in brackets):
— Newfoundland and Labrador 12.3 per cent (12.8)
— Prince Edward Island 12.1 (9.6)
— Nova Scotia 8.5 (8.4)
— New Brunswick 9.4 (9.7)
— Quebec 7.1 (7.0)
— Ontario 6.7 (6.4)
— Manitoba 5.9 (6.2)
— Saskatchewan 6.3 (6.3)
— Alberta 8.4 (8.6)
— British Columbia 5.5 (5.6)

@CanBizJournal