OTTAWA—The economy added 31,000 jobs in October, Statistics Canada reported Friday, bringing the national unemployment rate to a pandemic−era low. Unemployment came in at 6.7 percent, down from 6.9 percent in September, to mark the fifth consecutive monthly decline in the rate. Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate would have been 8.7 percent in October, down from 8.9 percent in September, had it not included in calculations Canadians who wanted to work but didn’t search for a job. Gains were seen across a number of industries, including the hard−hit retail sector, but offset by declines elsewhere, such as accommodation and food services. Retail trade added 72,000 jobs in October that Statistics Canada notes pushed the industry back to its pre−pandemic levels for the first time since March. The statistics agency also notes a decline in self−employment, but suggests some of those moved to more permanent and in−demand jobs like in …