Labour Market Bulletin - Southern Nova Scotia

 

April 2009*

 Overview

Data Source: Statistics Canada's Labour Force Data

Employment in Southern Nova Scotia showed a slight improvement over March.  However, a labour force increase in excess of the employment gain brought the number of unemployed up and resulted in a higher unemployment rate. 

Despite the increase in jobs filled during the month, employment is below last April’s level.  The participation rate is the highest of any April on record and the employment decline coupled with the labour force increase has resulted in greater unemployment and an unemployment rate which is 3.5 percentage points higher than it was last year for the same month.  There is actually more full-time employment this April.  Part-time jobs were far more numerous last April, however.

Industry Analysis

Employment declines in Manufacturing and Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil & Gas brought April’s Goods Sector employment below March’s level.  These two industry groups are also responsible for an employment decline in the sector from April of 2008.

The overall job growth in Southern Nova Scotia from March’s level occurred in the Service Sector. Trade and Business, Building & Other Support Services endured minor losses but all other component industry groups added to employment in April.

The Service Sector is employing less this April than it did in April of 2008. The job losses over the last 12 months have occurred within the government sector.  Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration and Education all have lower employment levels this April according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.

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

In the News 

The provincial and federal governments announced $33 million in funding to bring eight kilometres of Highway 103 in Queens County, from Broad River to Port Mouton, up to 100 series standards. Construction tenders are not expected until 2011 after design, environmental assessment and land acquisition has all occurred. It is expected that once construction begins it will take two years to complete.  14 April 2009 - Various Sources

Construction of the Best Western Liverpool is on schedule and the company was in the process of hiring 21 to 25 full-time, front-line staff in April. The 65-room hotel is expected to open in early June. The cost will surpass the $5 million estimate and the facility will include family suites, and indoor pool, fitness facility and cocktail lounge.  1 April 2009 - Liverpool Advance

The Tri-County School Board received more than $3 million in extra funding from the province, a 5.1 percent increase. The increase will allow the board to deliver a budget that does not result in cuts to education programs. However, declining enrolment will result in 11 or 12 fewer teachers across the board. The board is projecting that there will be 7,181 students in the coming year, a decline of 354.  23 April 2009 - Yarmouth Vanguard

The province announced $307.3 million in spending over seven years for renovations and new schools across the province. A new $21.5 million primary to grade-nine school to serve the Lunenburg area is on the list of eight new schools province-wide. Renovations were announced for Bridgewater Elementary ($2 million over two years), and Park View Education Centre ($2 million over three years).  21 April 2009 - Bridgewater Bulletin

Amid soaring gas prices and a slowing economy, Nova Scotia saw a 3 percent, or 64,000-visitor, drop in province-wide tourism in 2008. Upper Clements Park enjoyed a six percent increase in visitors despite being open two fewer days in 2008. The Park’s numbers have increased for four straight years.  1 April 2009 - Digby Courier

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