Canada adds 51,000 jobs in February

Canada's economy gained 51,000 jobs in February, stronger than expected, keeping the unemployment rate at 7.0 per cent.

Statistics Canada said on Friday that the increase was spread between full- and part-time work.

Sectors that saw job gains in the month included; professional, scientific and technical services; accommodation and food services; public administration; and agriculture.

Manufacturing was the lone industry to post a notable decline, StatsCan said.

Some economists had expected between 5,000 to 8,000 new jobs to be created last month, and for the jobless rate to edge higher to 7.1 per cent.

Employment increased in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, while Manitoba saw a decline.

StatsCan said employment increased among people aged 55 and over in February, while it was little changed among youths and people