The Canadian economy created 43,100 jobs last month, causing the unemployment rate to fall to 6.5 percent, its lowest level since October 2008, Statistics Canada said Friday.

The results beat analysts expectations that the jobless rate would remain unchanged at 6.8 percent with the loss of 8,000 jobs.

The employment gains were largely among job seekers between the age of 25 and 54, including 36,000 women who found jobs during the month.

Among youths 15 to 24 years old, the jobless rate fell 0.9 percent to 12.6 percent. For those over 55, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.6 percent.

In the private sector, the number of employed increased by 71,000, with notable increases in the retail and wholesale trade, finance, insurance and real estate.

On the other hand, the public sector shed 54,000 jobs.