Construction and manufacturing sectors in Canada experienced job growth during March of this year, new figures show.

Non-farm payroll employment went up by 30,100 during the month, bringing the total gain since August of 2009 up to 115,700 and representing an increase of 0.8 per cent.

The manufacturing industry saw its employment levels rise for the fourth consecutive month, securing 23,800 extra roles spread across various sections to offset losses in the pulp, paper and paperboard production areas.

Statistics Canada said construction, mining and oil extraction also saw gains, with particular successes in building construction and trade contracting services. Overall, positions in these markets have risen by 8,900 since August 2009.

"Modest" growth in the service sector was revealed in the survey, which highlighted technical consulting, computer systems design and management posts as areas of progression, compensating for losses in business support services, full-service eateries and grocery stores.

The news comes on the same day that Statistics Canada issued a population projection, suggesting that the total could exceed 40 million by the end of 2036.

Posted by Lee Thrace