Canada's total employment fell and the unemployment rate ticked up in March, data showed on Friday, as the uncertainty around tariffs and their subsequent implementation forced companies to pause hiring and spurred some layoffs.

Canada lost 33,000 jobs in March, the worst month for the labour market in three years, as the threat of U.S. tariffs slowed hiring and prompted layoffs.

Canada in March marked the first drop in employment in three years, the national statistical agency said today, as uncertainty over US tariffs led businesses to cut staffing and stall hiring.