Toronto (Canada), March 10. – The Canadian economy created 22,000 net jobs in February, which maintains the level of unemployment in the country at 5%, according to data released this Friday by the public body Statistics Canada (CE).
The number of jobs created last month exceeded analysts’ forecasts, which had expected a figure of around 10,000 new jobs.
In addition, the average salary increased by 5.4% compared to February 2022.
EC data indicates that in February, employment increased in health and social assistance, public administration and essential services activities. The number of jobs fell in the production of goods and services, construction and other ancillary services.
This is the third consecutive month of employment growth in the country. In December, Canada created 69,000 jobs and in January 150,000.
The strength of the Canadian economy could force the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates further.
On Wednesday, the Canadian monetary authority decided to leave interest rates unchanged, at 4.5%, after eight consecutive increases since the start of 2022.
The Bank of Canada said it would wait to see the effect of increases of 0.25% to 4.5% on high inflation, but also said it was ready to resume rate hikes to control inflation. price increase. .
The central bank’s inflation target is 2% and the figure currently stands at 5.9%.