OTTAWA - Given the economic gloom of late, the September job figures came as welcome relief to most economists.
But Prime Minister Harper, an economist himself, isn't quite ready to uncork the champagne.
Statistics Canada says the country gained 61,000 jobs last month, dropping the unemployment rate to 7.1 per cent -- its lowest level in almost three years.
Harper calls the numbers "fairly encouraging," but notes the economy remains fragile.
It should also be noted that the seasonal return of teachers to school added nearly 40,000 jobs.
In net, the private sector actually lost nearly 15,000 jobs and the key manufacturing sector shed 23,500.
Economists say the better than expected numbers mean the Bank of Canada is highly unlikely to lower interest rates later this month or in December.
