The average weekly earnings of workers in Canada increased during April 2011 by 0.7 per cent compared with the previous month.

During the period in question, non-farm payroll employees saw their wages expand to $876.44, 3.5 per cent higher than the same month of last year.

In addition, the latest figures from Statistics Canada reveal the wage growth was a result of a number of changes in the country's labor market, with average hours of work per week unchanged year-on-year at 32.9.

The figures follow a report from the agency earlier this month noting that there were 22,000 jobs created during May this year, increasing the total employment opportunities generated over the year to 273,000.

All provinces of the nation saw climbs in average weekly earnings during the 12 months to April 2011, with particular high levels recorded in Alberta, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan.

One sector that saw particularly sharp rises in pay was healthcare jobs in Canada, in addition to the manufacturing industry, information and culture and arts, entertainment and recreation.

Posted by Fiona Summers