Statistics Canada says the economy suffered its first jobs decline since April, 2020, with a loss of 63,000 jobs in December.

The result ended a streak of monthly job gains that began in May, as restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic began to ease.

The unemployment rate was 8.6 per cent for the month, up from 8.5 per cent in November.

Full-time employment in December rose by 36,500, but there was a loss of 99,000 part-time jobs.

(C.P)