Canada’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.6 per cent in February.

Statistics Canada said employment was virtually unchanged across the country.

That followed three consecutive monthly increases totalling 211,000 in November, December and January.

More people worked in wholesale and retail trade in February, as well as finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing.

There were declines in professional, scientific and technical services, as well as transportation and warehousing.

Employment increased among women aged 25 to 54, was little changed among men in the same age category and youth, and fell among people aged 55 and older.

Average hourly wages among employees increased 3.8 per cent, or $1.32, on a year-over-year basis in February to $36.14.

At look at some of the provincial numbers

New Brunswick gained 3,400 full-time positions and lost 4,800 part-time jobs for an overall employment decrease of 1,500.

That, combined with more people in the labour force, pushed the unemployment rate up 1.1 percentage points to 7.5 per cent.

Nova Scotia added 1,500 full-time jobs and lost 5,700 part-time positions for a net decrease of 4,30.

The province’s unemployment rate climbed 0.7 percentage points to 6.6 per cent.

Prince Edward Island lost 500 jobs and the unemployment rate climbed to 7.8 per cent from 7.2 per cent the previous month.

In Ontario, the province lost 41,200 full-time job and gained 58,100 part-time positions for a net increase of 16,900.

As a result, the province’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 7.3 per cent.

Statistics Canada defines the labour force as everyone aged 15 or older who has a job or is actively looking for one.

The full report can be found on Statistics Canada’s website.