Labour Market Bulletin - Northern Nova Scotia

May 2009*

Overview 

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

Employment rose during May in Northern Nova Scotia and the increase was solely in full-time jobs.  The unemployment rate fell only slightly, however, because of an increase in labour force participation.  These positive seasonal effects in May are a normal occurrence for this time of year.

The economic climate has worsened somewhat from May of a year ago.  Employment is down by more than 3,000 over the last 12 months and the number of unemployed are up by over 2,000.  The number of full-time jobs supported by the region’s economy is down even more substantially and the rate of unemployment has risen by 3.2 percentage points over the last 12 months.

Industry Analysis

Employment remained at April’s level for all industries within the Goods Sector apart from Forestry, Fishing, Mining, & Oil & Gas.  This non-agricultural primary industry group experienced a small increase in net jobs during May which brought the sector’s overall employment level above that for April.

Employment declines in the Construction and Manufacturing industry groups over the last 12 months are primarily responsible for a substantial employment loss in the Goods Sector from last May.  Utilities employment has also fallen since that time and the Goods Sector’s employment level is the lowest it has been for any month of May since at least 1987.

The Service Sector showed an employment increase from April.  There were small increases and decreases among the component industries with the net effect being positive on the job front for the sector.  Service Sector employment is also up from May, 2008.  The job gains over the year occurred in Accommodation & Food Services; Information, Culture & Recreation; and Educational Services.  The Trade industry group as well as Other Services in Northern Nova Scotia has seen an employment decline over the last 12 months.

*This report is an analysis of three month moving average data from Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey.  Thereader should be cautioned that because of relatively small sample sizes in subprovincial regions, data reliability may be an issue.

In the News

Stuart Pontiac Buick Ltd. of Truro is one dealership included among the approximately 300 GM sites across Canada that will not have their franchises renewed in October 2010. Stuart Pontiac Buick could close by year’s end or remain until the franchise contract expires. The business has approximately 30 staff members.  Truro Daily News, May 23, 2009

Due to competitive market conditions and a difficult economic situation worldwide, Wacky Wheatley’s has announced it will soon be closing its doors at the Truro outlet. June 16^th is set as the final day of operations for the business. The closing will see nine employees lose their jobs.    Truro Daily News, May 14, 2009

A new $10-million West Highlands Elementary school will be built in Amherst in 2012. The new school construction is replacing a $4-million renovation project that was announced in April and won't impact other school construction projects already announced.    Amherst Daily News, May 21, 2009

O'Farrell Chevrolet car dealership, in New Glasgow will be closing, it has been selling GM products for 40 years.  There are 30 employees working at the dealership.  The business owner is unsure of what the future holds for his business or his 30 employees.  Various Sources, May 22, 2009

Eastern GMC, a family-run car dealership in Antigonish, will have its sales and service agreement with General Motors terminated by, at least, October 2010.  The dealer is not sure when they will discontinue selling GM products.  Eastern will be pursuing other sales and service options for their dealership and its 30 employees.  The Casket, May 27, 2009

Construction of a $2.8 million dollar athletic facility has begun at St. F.X., the 1st part of a two-phase project. It includes installation of artificial turf, track lights and fencing.  Construction will take several months and a second phase will occur next year in 2010.  The Casket, May 27, 2009For more information please contact . . .