Average weekly earnings rose in August

Average earnings up 0.3 per cent to $679.08, average hourly rate stands at $17.19

Average weekly earnings edged up 0.3 per cent from July to August. The average weekly earnings for all employees for the month is estimated at $679.08 according to Statistics Canada.

Average earnings for hourly employees stood at $17.19 per hour in August, up 0.2 per cent from July and 1.2 per cent higher than August 2001. Average weekly hours for hourly employees were unchanged at 31.7 hours per week.

August recorded another strong month of payroll employment growth with a gain of 53,500 employees, an increase of 0.4 per cent. This follows an equally strong gain of 54,600 in July. Employment has now increased for nine months in a row, growing by 365,200 (up 2.9 per cent) since December 2001.

Payroll employment growth in August was widespread by industry. The strongest gains were in manufacturing (up 7,600), retail trade (up 8,300) and wholesale trade (up 6,500). Other industries posting significant gains were administration and support services, construction and education. The only industry losing employment in August was logging and forestry (down 800).

Employment grew in all provinces in August, notably in Ontario (+23,600) and Quebec (+18,300).

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!