Canada's economy blew past expectations in October, adding 44,000 jobs and driving the unemployment rate down to 7%.
Statistics Canada reported Friday that 18 million Canadians were working during the month, the first time that has ever happened.
October`s figure is more than four times the 10,000 new jobs that economists were expecting.
Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Manitoba saw gains in employment, while Alberta recorded a loss of 11,000 jobs. There are about as many jobs in Alberta today as there were this time last year.
There was little or no change in the other provinces.
By industry, the biggest gains were made in public administration, which added 32,000 jobs. The sector saw gains in every province, and mainly in temporary work.
The jump likely "coincides with activities related to the recent federal election," the data agency said, noting there would have been jobs across the country for election-related activities during advance polling days and on election day itself, on Oct. 19.
One industry that experienced declines was natural resources, which continued on the downward trend that began a year ago. The numbers fell by 8,000 in October, with total losses in the industry climbing to 26,000 over the past 12 months and most of the declines in Alberta.
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