Job Numbers Up in Annapolis Valley

Employment in the Annapolis Valley has increased substantially in the last year, Statistics Canada's latest labour force survey shows.

In Kings, Hants and Annapolis counties, 3,300 more people were working in January 1998 than in the same period a year ago.

"That's 3,300 more people spending money in the area, and 3,300 more people paying taxes, all of which means a stronger, healthier local economy," said Robin Marshall, executive director of the Kings Community Economic Development Agency.

Mr. Marshall attributed the increase in employment to several factors: "There are major construction projects under way at 14 Wing Greenwood, DND Camp Aldershot, and the new Horton High School, along with significant redevelopment at the former Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis."

Furthermore, small-business startups have contributed 600 to 800 jobs, while large firms have rehired former employees or have expanded operations, he said. There has also been strong growth in professional and service sectors.

The increase in the number of people working is offset by an increase in the number of people available for work, a factor that contributes to a relatively slow decline in the area's unemployment rate.

However, a larger labour force also means that people are feeling confident about the economy and staying in the Annapolis Valley to look for work, instead of "going down the road."

"Young people are staying in the area to look for work after graduation from college and university," Mr. Marshall noted. "People from the military bases are retiring here and looking for part-time work. We're also seeing a significant amount of in-migration as new families move to the area."

Often a family relocates to the area because one member has found employment here, he said. "Then another member of the family, possibly a spouse or an older child, may decide to look for work. This adds to the size of the labour force."

The increase in population is good for the Annapolis Valley, said Mr. Marshall. Population growth means that there are more demands for residential construction, more people paying taxes into the system, better retail sales and a bigger market for professional services.

The labour force survey indicates job creation in Nova Scotia remains better than the national average. Nova Scotia had employment growth of 3.5 per cent over one year ago, while the national average was 2.5 per cent.

"Across Nova Scotia, 13,800 more people were working in January 1998 than in January 1997," said John Odenthal, a senior policy analyst with Economic Development and Tourism. "And the increase in employment was predominantly in rural areas of the province. That's very encouraging, because rural Nova Scotia has traditionally had a more difficult time creating employment than metro Halifax."