OTTAWA, (Reuters) – The Canadian economy created far fewer jobs in April than anticipated, but the unemployment rate fell to 5.2%, a new record, and the labour market remained tight, Statistics Canada data revealed on Friday.

Canada’s April net job growth was modest at 15,300, compared to analyst expectations for a 55,000 increase. These gains came mainly from part-time, and full-time unemployment fell.

Although the overall employment gain was disappointing, core-age workers saw a new high in labor force participation.

Statscan stated that “a number of indicators have pointed towards an increasingly tight labor marketplace in recent months,” Statscan noted, noting that the percentage of workers who prefer full-time jobs has dropped to its lowest point on record.

However, there was a decrease in job opportunities for the goods-producing sector. Construction jobs were the main culprit. However, the decline in employment was partially offset by gains in services sector jobs due to information, culture, recreation, professional and scientific services as well as information, science and technical support.

After a 3.7% increase in March, the average hourly wages of permanent workers fell to 3.4%.

Canadian Dollar traded nearly unchanged at 1.2831 USD to the U.S.dollar, or 77.94 U.S.cents.