Job Figures Set a New Record

Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke welcomed news that the number of Nova Scotians working has again hit an all-time high.

According to figures released today, Jan. 10, by Statistics Canada, the number of employed Nova Scotians reached 432,300 for the month of December, exceeding the previous month's record of 431,600. Since July 1999, more than 23,000 new jobs have been created, the majority of which are full-time.

"Our government's growth strategy continues to succeed. By working with the private sector, we're building a climate that is putting more and more Nova Scotians to work," said Mr. Clarke. "On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I would like to thank the private sector for showing so much confidence in our economy and our people."

Released in October 2000, Opportunities for Prosperity was Nova Scotia's first economic growth strategy in nearly a decade. Mr. Clarke said that 16,000 new jobs have been created since the release of the strategy.

"Through sound fiscal management and investing in sectors that help businesses grow and create jobs, like infrastructure, training and marketing, we're doing everything we can as a government to keep Nova Scotia's economy on the right track," said the minister.

This spring, the governor of the Bank of Canada cited Nova Scotia's historic employment, when the number of employed stood at about 431,000 for the month of May 2002.