Statistics Canada reports employment figures remained ‘virtually unchanged’ in February

Jobs figures from Statistics Canada show Canadian employers held back on hiring in February.

The agency says employment data remained “virtually unchanged,” with unemployment holding steady at 6.6 per cent.

The Canadian economy added 1,100 jobs in February – a sharp decline from the 76,000 jobs added in January.

Average hourly wages also rose slightly to 3.8 per cent year-over-year.

Statistics Canada says February’s employment figures reflect an economy bracing for the impact of possible tariffs from the United States.

The report will be the last major data release the Bank of Canada will see before its interest rate decision March 12.

READ MORE: Statistics Canada reports $4B merchandise trade surplus for January