Labour Market Perspective - Annapolis Valley

March 2009*

Data Source: Statistics Canada's Labour Force Data

Overview

The unemployment rate in the Annapolis Valley rose to 10.9% in March from 10.3% in the previous month.  While there was a small increase in the level of employment, the increase in unemployment was larger.  The growth in employment was in full-time employment as the level of part-time employment fell.  There was an overall rise in the level and rate of labour force participation.  It is typical for unemployment to rise in March and the magnitude of the rise was relatively small.  The level of employment typically falls in March.

When comparing the unemployment rate to March 2008, there was a 0.8 percentage point fall.  Employment showed a relatively large increase, with more new jobs in full-time employment.  The level of unemployment fell slightly.  The labour force increased and the labour force participation rate rose by 3 percentage points. 

Industry Analysis

Between March 2008 and March 2009, employment in the Goods-Producing Sector; fell by 1,000 while employment in the Service-Producing Sector increased by 4,500.  Recent trends show Service employment rising and Goods employment falling.

Within the Goods-Producing Sector, the small employment increases in the Primary Industries was more than offset by employment declines in both Construction and Manufacturing.  On a month over month basis, only Agriculture had a small employment increase.

Employment comparisons from March 2008 in the Services-Producing Sector indicate that Other Services, Public Administration and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services had the three largest increases.  Educational Services; Transportation & Warehousing and Health Care & Social Services had the three largest employment declines.  From February 2009 most industries experienced a small increase or decrease with only Business, Building and Other Support Services showing a significant employment increase.

In the News

Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. recently announced that Service Canada has accepted Michelin’s application for the Work-Sharing Program at the Waterville plant effective April 5, 2009.  Michelin’s participation in this program means the company will not have to move forward with the planned layoffs of 95 flexible workforce employees as previously announced.  Over 500 Michelin regular and flexible workforce employees elected to participate in the program. Nova Scotia Business Journal - March 27, 2009

The Village Pub in Coldbrook has recently closed.  - Staff - March 13, 2009

Wacky Wheatly’s is closing its New Minas store affecting nine employees.  Kentville Advertiser - March 31, 2009

The Towns of Windsor, Hantsport and the Municipality of West Hants received more than $10.3 million in funding under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund for improved drinking water and wastewater treatment projects. - Hants Journal - March 19, 2009

Barring any unforeseen delays, the twinned section of Highway 101 from Hortonville to Coldbrook, including a new interchange for New Minas, should be completed and open for traffic by 2015.  Department officials expect it to be tender-ready by the spring of 2011, after which it will take three to four years for the actual construction.  - Kentville Advertiser - March 31, 2009