Labour Market Update - Southern Nova Scotia
January, 2010*
Overview
Data Source: Statistics Canada's Labour Force DataSharp Increase in the Unemployment Rate
- While the unemployment rate typically rises between December and January due to seasonal factors, the unemployment rate was 3.6 percentage points higher than in January 2009 and was the highest rate recorded rate in January (since 1988).
- The labour force and labour force participation rate fell between December and January.
- While the number of part-time and full-time workers both decreased, most of the losses were full-time jobs.
- This was the second straight year where January employment was lower than in the previous year.
- Employment in the Goods Sector fell by 4,400 jobs with major decreases in all of the industry groups.
- The overall growth in Service Sector employment (2,600) occurred mostly in the Trade, Transportation, and Education industry groups.
In the News
Shelburne Ship Repair received an $8.8 million loan, through the province’s Industrial Expansion Fund, to upgrade the marine railway slip and wharf, allowing the company to resume building and repairing ships. The restoration will employ 15 to 25 people now and up to 45 employees during peak periods. Work began in January and is expected to take a year to complete. If jobs are created and a steady business is maintained, 80 percent of the loan will be forgivable. 12 January 2010 - Shelburne Coastguard
The federal government announced $500,000 in funding for the Barrington Business Park in Shelburne County. The funding will support phase one of the project, an initiative aimed at improving Barrington’s capacity to attract and retain industrial and commercial companies. Initial work will include site preparation, upgrading of water mains and installation of fibre optics. The project is expected to create immediate short term employment opportunities and subsequent long term employment as new businesses are established. 26 January 2010 - Shelburne Coastguard
Transport Canada cancelled their contract with Graham Construction of Yarmouth for work on the ferry terminal. The contract was valued at over $250,000 and included fencing and lighting at the terminal. 19 January 2010 - Yarmouth Vanguard
The Town of Bridgewater reported a spike in building permits seeking home add-ons and renovations highlighted another active year of construction in Bridgewater. Last year saw the most renovation permits issued since 1994, with a value of $647,500 or over 50 percent above the previous year. Also, there were 92 residential addition permits valued at 889,628, over 66 percent higher than 2008. In total, there were 194 residential and non-residential permits issued with a value of $17.9 million compared to $13.7 million in 2008. 12 January 2010 - Bridgewater Bulletin
The Town of Bridgewater awarded a $265,000 tender to Terrain Group to provide engineering design services for the $2.3 million project to upgrade the town’s sewer system. The project includes installation of new storm sewers, street work and pumping station construction. All three levels of government are funding the project. 26 January 2010 - Bridgewater Bulletin
Online Support in Liverpool is currently searching for as many as 60 employees, despite a difficult economic climate, to work in various positions. The company provides outsourced call centre services and have stated that their business is booming. 26 January 2010 - Liverpool Advance
Barry J. Soper
Economist
99 Wyse Road, P.O. Box 1350
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4B9
(902) 426-5590
E-mail: barry.soper@servicecanada.gc.ca
Web site: www.labourmarketinformation.ca
David Doucette
Labour Market Information Analyst
13 Willow Street
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia B5A 4B2
(902) 742-0830
Web site: www.labourmarketinformation.ca