It was a ho-hum January for Canada's labour market. The national jobless rate was unchanged at 7 per cent, and hiring dropped by 5,700 jobs.

Although the initial numbers appeared disappointing---analysts had expected a gain of 15,000 jobs---several sectors showed strength. Statistics Canada said most of the decline in jobs came in the public sector. Manufacturing employment, which has been weak because of the rising value of the Canadian dollar, added 13,900 new positions.

Overall, private sector hiring was up by 24,500 positions. Gains in retail and manufacturing were offset by a loss of work in the services sector.

In Ontario, the jobless rate edged down to 6.7 per cent, the result of fewer people looking for work. Employment fell by 28,000 as a decline of 51,000 full-time jobs was partially offset by an increase in part-time work. The overall decline was spread across several industries, Statscan said.

The anemic jobs report was seen as further vindication of the Bank of Canada's recent decision to step to the sidelines and leave interest rates where they are. Economists say the report will do nothing to alter the Bank's position.