Labour Market Bulletin - Halifax

May, 2009* 

Overview 

(Source: http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/lfss05b-eng.htm)

According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate rose slightly between April and May 2009, despite strong monthly employment growth.  The level of unemployment rose more quickly and pushed the unemployment rate up.  The employment growth was, however, all in full-time employment with a small decrease in part-time employment.  The level and rate of labour force participation both increased between April and May.  These changes are typical as the labour market approaches summer.

From May 2008, the unemployment rate increase is even greater despite there being stronger employment growth.  Once again, the rate of growth of unemployment was larger than employment and the unemployment rate rose.  While the unemployment rate is relatively high when compared to recent years, it is still well below the typical rate for the past twenty years.  As with the monthly employment growth, all of the net new jobs were in full-time employment.  Both the level and rate of labour force participation grew, with the current rate above 70%.  Overall, Halifax has shown strong employment growth, despite the downturn.

 Industry Analysis

Within the Goods-Producing Sector, Utilities, Construction and Manufacturing all experienced

employment growth from May 2008, though Manufacturing experienced a slight employment loss from April 2009.  Primary Industries all saw employment fall from May 2008 levels.

There was strong employment growth from May 2008 in the Services-Producing Sector including Educational Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Health Care & Social Assistance and Public Administration.  The employment reduction included Trade; Business, Building & Other Support Services and Information, Culture & Recreation.

In the News 

MaManna, a wind turbine manufacturing operation in Dartmouth, hopes to double its workforce due to increasing demand over the next few years. The company has 18 employees, including engineers, electricians, technicians, and salespeople. The company also hires other Nova Scotia engineering firms to make electrical components for the turbines, which mostly are exported abroad.  Chronicle-Herald, May 27

 Barrett Lumber Co. Ltd. in Beaver Bank will not be hiring back about 12 seasonal workers at its wood mill this spring. About 15 people usually work at the mill, with another 45 working in other  company operations such as retail building supplies, roof truss manufacturing, and forestry operations. Low prices for lumber caused by the continuing depressed state of the housing market in the United States has been blamed for the mill’s difficulties. Chronicle-Herald, May 5

Cherubini Metal Works of Dartmouth has been awarded a $1.7 million contract to build an anchor for a tidal turbine to be tested in the Minas Passage of the Bay of Fundy. The project will employ 25 people over the next four months, and the company says it will create some new jobs and preserve existing jobs during uncertain economic times.  Chronicle-Herald, May 1

Halifax Regional Municipality, in its budget report, indicates it is having problems recruiting and retaining employees for its 3,800 work force. The problems occur especially in technical and specialized fields, such as culture and engineering, and are likely to continue for some time. The situation has been made worse by the out-migration of workers attracted by higher salaries out west, according to the report.  Chronicle-Herald, May 15

Costco has opened at 137 Countryview Drive, Dartmouth Crossing. It is the second location in the Halifax metro area for the big box retailer.  Chronicle-Herald, May 15

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