National employment numbers for July from Statistics Canada show loss of 31,000 jobs

The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show Canada and BC both continue to report historic low unemployment rates.

The jobless rate across the country was pegged at 4.9 per cent last month, unchanged from June, although the data shows 31,000 jobs disappeared, most of them in the public sector.

Economists say more than one million job vacancies in all corners of the country are waiting to be filled.

The number of people looking for work in BC barely budged in July, edging up to 4.7 per cent from its 4.6 per cent setting in June.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland commented on the report as she toured a winery in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia.

The Bank of Canada is paying close attention to employment levels as it gears up to make its next key interest rate announcement early next month. It's widely expected to raise interest rates again.