Canada employment grew strongly by 150k, or 0.8% mom, in January, well above expectation of 15k. Full-time work increased 121k.
Unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.0%, matched expectations, just shy of the record-low 4.9% in June and July last year. Participation rate rose 0.3% to 65.7%.
Total hours worked rose 0.8% mom, 5.6% yoy. Average hourly wages rose 4.5% yoy.
