Canada jobless rate dips to 7.1pc

The Canadian economy gained 41,000 jobs in March, driven by demand for health care and social assistance workers, according to government data Friday which showed a drop in the unemployment rate to 7.1 percent.

It was an improvement from the 7.3 percent unemployment rate in February, the highest level seen in three years. The March figures were better than expected, with analysts projecting unemployment to hold steady from the February level.

"Employment increased in health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, professional, scientific and technical services as well as 'other services'," Statistics Canada said.