Statistics Canada says employment increased by 40,000 in August but it was countered by population growth which means despite all those people who found jobs, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.5 per cent.

There was a surge in employment in professional scientific and technical services and construction.  Employment dropped in educational services and manufacturing.

Statistics Canada says the number of self-employed workers rose by 50,000 (+1.9%) in August, the first notable increase in nine months.

The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was up in August at 5.4 per cent from 5.1 per cent in July.  The unemployment rate has increased in Saskatchewan for four consecutive months.