Environmental Sector Continues to Grow

Nova Scotia's environmental sector continues to grow. A recent survey indicates that the number of people working in the field increased by almost 12 per cent last year.

Acting Environment Minister Michael Baker told the legislature today that more than 8,200 people were employed in the environmental sector in 1999, from 7,355 a year earlier.

"Today, we are seeing a maturing of the industry. More companies, becoming more diversified. There is a growth. There is a good trend," Mr. Baker said

The number of people making a living in the private sector was 5,897, from 5,300 in 1998.

Jobs are distributed throughout the province, with every region benefitting from opportunities.

This is the third year the department has conducted a thorough review of the sector.

Craig MacMullin, past-president of the industry group Nova Scotia Environmental Industries Association, said he is ecstatic the numbers are that high.

"We have a bit of a problem in Atlantic Canada, believing in ourselves. But we are world-class in this industry. We just don't blow our horn enough," said Mr. MacMullin, who is also president of Environmental Services laboratory in Sydney, N.S.

Both Mr. Baker and Mr. MacMullin agree Nova Scotian companies must market their experience abroad to take the next step in growing the industry.

Some companies are already doing that. Dillon Consulting is working on a Canadian International Development Agency, or CIDA, project in the Caribbean. Jacques Whitford is doing soil remediation projects in Brunei and Russia, and Enerplan, a company that helps businesses become more energy efficient, is forming partnerships in the state of New England.

"We've reached the point that we have created the right dynamics," Mr. MacMullin said. "We have good people ready, willing and able to go where they have to go to get the job done."

Mr. Baker said the time is right.

"The global market is immense. The markets are there. Around the world, there is increasing demand for environmental services," Mr. Baker said. "It is just up to us to go after them."

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a copy of the survey, contact the Environmental Industries and Technologies division of the Department of the Environment at 902-424-5205.