There was a surge in construction workers last month

Canada’s employment increased by 46,200 in December compared to the previous month.

ADP Canada National Employment Report shows that construction added the most jobs last month at 11,300, while others in the goods producing sectors lost jobs: manufacturing declined by 1,400 and natural resources and mining by 2,500.

Services providing sectors were generally higher including strong gains for education and health care (13,000) and trade/transportation and utilities (8,200).

The finance/real estate sector declined by 4,500.

“December’s labour market finished the year in a strong position, with 9 of the 14 industries posting job gains,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute. “The payroll increase was largely reflective of employment growth in trade, transportation and utilities, as well as construction and public administration. However, manufacturing and natural resources and mining experienced a decline.”

The November total of jobs added was revised down from 30,900 to 27,600.