Statistics Canada reported the second straight month of job gains, with February job and wage growth exceeding expectations. This marked the third month of gains in the last four, the first time this has happened since 2012. (Globe and Mail)

Talking point: The results come days after the Bank of Canada decided to hold rates, citing “increased uncertainty” in when it might next raise them. The strong employment numbers are a positive sign for Canada’s mixed economic climate. Plunging crude exports drove the economy down in the last quarter of 2018, and consumer spending and business investments have slowed along with exports. Noteworthy among the employment data is that we’re seeing more gains in full-time positions, which tend to be more secure and signal a stronger economy. Between January and February, Canada added 67,400 full-time positions and lost 11,600 part-time jobs.