Labour Market Update - Southern Nova Scotia

 

July 2009*

Data Source: Statistics Canada's Labour Force Data

Southern Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate declines for the third consecutive month
  • The unemployment rate fell for the third consecutive month in Southern Nova Scotia.  While this decrease follows the normal seasonal pattern, the decline was twice as large as in the previous four years.
  • Employment grew for the past four months and was the highest employment level in July since 2003, excluding July 2008.  Full-time employment led this growth.
  • Service Sector employment rose in July 2009 for the sixth consecutive month.  While Goods Sector employment fell in the early part of the year, it has been on the rise since May.
  • Employment was increasing and the level of unemployment was decreasing for three months ending in July.  During this period, the level of unemployment went from being well above the previous four years to being about average.
  • Overall, the size of the labour force rose in July and in every month since January 2009.  While the level of unemployment typically rises in the spring and summer, the consistent labour force increase and high labour force participation rate was a strong indicator of worker confidence. 

In the News

In mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada prohibited public harvesting in the Annapolis Basin of bi-valve molluscs, including oysters, clams, quahogs and whelks, for recreational or commercial purposes until further notice due to an increase in paralytic shellfish poisoning. This further affected the 275 Digby and area clam harvesters who have also been dealing with lower prices and past beach closures, significantly reducing their income levels.  Digby Courier - 16 July 2009
 
The price paid for lobster continues to be low in the U.S. this summer, similar to the situation in southwestern Nova Scotia this past season. Shore prices as low as $2.35 a pound were being paid to Maine fishermen in late-July. Massachusetts fishermen are getting $2.75 to $3 a pound, compared to $4.25 to $4.75 a year ago. It is estimated that the lobster fishermen need $4 a pound just to meet expenses.  Shelburne Coastguard - 28 July 2009
 
Printer-Works, of Yarmouth, was selected by the NS Department of Education to provide printers and related supplies for classrooms, offices, libraries and school boards throughout the province. There are 430 K-12 public schools in Nova Scotia that fall under this tender.  Yarmouth Vanguard - 28 July 2009
 
Digby’s tourist bureau reported visitation down 24 percent by mid-July. Some operators stated that the hours of operation for the Digby-St. John ferry have tourists driving through the town. In past years, almost half of their business came from ferry users.  Digby Courier - 30 July 2009
 
Mid-Valley Construction won the $425,000 tender for water and sewer upgrades, road rebuilding and paving in Mahone Bay. The projects are expected to begin in August and take 14 weeks to complete.  Bridgewater Bulletin - 28 July 2009
 
The South Shore Regional School Board cut the equivalent of 13 and a half program support assistants (PSAs) and replaced them with 8 and a half Program Support Teachers (PSTs), for more direct teaching for the students. The cost-neutral move was made because the Board had 50 percent too many PSAs and too few PSTs. The Board also stated that as enrolment and funding continues to decline, each budget year in the future will be more challenging to maintain the current level of programming to students.  Bridgewater Bulletin - 21 July 2009
 
Best Western Liverpool Hotel and Conference Centre hosted their grand opening in early July. The hotel employs 25 full-time workers. The owners hope to contribute to tourism in Liverpool by keeping guests in the area for as long as possible.   Liverpool Advance - 16 July 2009
 
Cedar Bay Grilling Co. Ltd has made its home at the former Granville Gates and Sons fish plant in Blandford. The new facility makes frozen salmon products that are barbecued on pre-soaked cedar planks. The owners expect the operation to eventually employ 15 to 20 people.  Bridgewater Bulletin - 16 July 2009 

 

For more information please contact . . .

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

Dave Doucette

Labour Market Information Analyst

13 Willow Street

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia          B5A 4B2

(902) 742-0830

E-mail: david.doucette@servicecanada.gc.ca

Web site: www.labourmarketinformation.ca