Canada's stagnant job market bounced back in March with a stunning 82,300 net new jobs, the biggest jump since September 2008, in a possible turning point for the economy that could put pressure on the central bank to raise interest rates.
The job gains, reported by Statistics Canada on Thursday, were spread fairly evenly across several sectors and were mainly in the private sector and in full-time positions.
Analysts surveyed by Reuters had forecast, on average, a gain of just 10,000 jobs in the month.
The jobless rate in the month dipped to a six-month low of 7.2% from 7.4%, compared with expectations for a rise to 7.5%.
Canadian jobs data tends to be volatile month-to-month and policy makers usually like to see the data over several months before declaring a trend.
Most of the hiring in March took place in service industries which added 57,500 to payrolls, led by health care and social assistance and information, culture and recreation.
The goods-producing sector added 24,900 jobs, helped by manufacturing and construction.
