The number of people in work in Canada climbed during May 2011 by 22,000, according to official data.

Figures from Statistics Canada showed the nation witnessed a further gain in employment last month, with an estimated 273,000 jobs created during the previous 12 months.

The number of paid roles has climbed by 1.6 per cent within a year, with the overall rate of people out of work declining by 0.2 points to 7.4 per cent in May and gains in both full-time and part-time posts.

Industries that witnessed strong growth in employment included retail and wholesale trades, as well as information, culture and recreation, driving gains in the private sector.

A fall in jobs was reported over the month in question in Newfoundland and Labrador, while increases were seen in Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

According to Statistics Canada, businesses recorded a rise in labor productivity of 0.4 per cent during the first quarter of 2011, with real gross domestic product up by 1.2 per cent year-on-year.

Posted by Fiona Summers