Unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage in March

Canada's unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points to 6.1 per cent in March.

Last month, employment declined among youth aged 15 to 24, while it rose among core-aged men aged 25 to 54. Employment was little changed among core-aged women, as well as among women and men aged 55 and older.

There were fewer people employed in accommodation and food services, wholesale and retail trade, and professional, scientific and technical services. Employment increased in four industries, led by health care and social assistance.

Average hourly wages among employees rose 5.1 per cent.

The employment rate has fallen for the sixth consecutive month.