Another Nova Scotia Job Record Set

For the fifth time in less than 18 months, Nova Scotia has set a new record for jobs.

Figures released by Statistics Canada on Friday showed the total number of Nova Scotians employed for the month of March 2003 was 436,300, a new historic high for jobs in the province.

"More Nova Scotians are going to work and earning a living for their families today than at any time in our history," said Premier John Hamm. "I would like to thank the employers and employees who have helped make this success a reality. It's proof our economic growth strategy is working."

More than 27,000 new jobs have been created since July 1999. Since the release of Nova Scotia's growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, in October 2000, 19,000 new jobs have been created.

Two important parts of the growth strategy are building an attractive business climate and delivering lower taxes for working families. Last month, the Conference Board of Canada indicated the government's tax relief plan would help spur more economic growth in the second half of 2003. Over the last two years, five provinces in every region of Canada have reduced personal income taxes.

"It's clear we must do more to keep Nova Scotia growing," said the premier. "Putting more money into the hands of hard-working Nova Scotians will help create more growth, more opportunities and more jobs."

Last week, the Nova Scotia government fulfilled its commitment to lower taxes for working families by 10 per cent.