Statistics Canada says the economy added a modest 15,000 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate held steady at 6.5 per cent.

The labor force survey says business, construction and support services saw the biggest gain in employment.

Meanwhile, finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing saw the biggest declines.

Average hourly wages rose 4.9 percent from a year ago to $35.76.

The labor market is expected to remain weak in the short term as high interest rates continue to weigh on economic activity, but a rebound is expected sometime next year as rate cuts filter through the economy.

In the meantime, however, the report shows that households continue to be strained, with nearly three in 10 Canadians living in a household that has struggled to make ends meet.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 8, 2024.