Characteristics of those who lost their jobs bore little resemblance to those who became self-employed
Unemployment rate slides to lowest level since last April
StatsCan expected to report that 15,500 jobs were added in February
Most new positions will pay at least as much as they did last year
Hiring outlook softens in finance, insurance industries
One-third of the current labour force are set to retire over the next two decades
Job gains widespread
43,000 part time positions added
Unemployment rate unchanged at 8.5%: StatsCan
280,000 new jobs forecast for 2010