New Figures Show Strategy is Working

Nova Scotia continues to be among the country's leaders in economic growth and job creation, Premier John Hamm said today, Aug. 12.

On Aug. 9, Statistics Canada released figures showing that more than 14,000 jobs have been created in Nova Scotia since July 1999.

"Clearly, more Nova Scotians are working today than three years ago," said Premier Hamm. "Our government will continue to keep our commitment to build the best climate for economic growth and job creation."

Over the last several months, a number of positive reports have been released on the state of the provincial economy. In April, Statistics Canada reported that in 2001, Nova Scotia had the second-highest rate of economic growth in the country -- second only to Alberta and twice the national rate.

In May, the governor of the Bank of Canada noted that Nova Scotia's employment figures were at a 25-year high and that it had strong prospects for further growth. KPMG also ranked Halifax, Truro and Sydney among the top 20 places in which to invest and create jobs, compared with more than 120 communities in North America, Japan and Europe.

"Nova Scotia's economic growth strategy is encouraging more jobs, more investment and more growth," said the premier. "We will continue to work with the private sector to build on our success to date, just as we have done since 1999."

The premier noted that Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke has been visiting communities throughout the province, meeting with local business leaders to ensure all regions enjoy the benefits of Nova Scotia's new period of economic growth.

In the fall of 2000, following extensive consultation, the Nova Scotia government released Opportunities for Prosperity, the province's first economic growth strategy in about a decade.