Nova Scotia Hits Another Job Record

Despite the worst snow storm in 50 years, Nova Scotia's economy continued to grow, creating more than 2,000 new jobs in the month of February, Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage announced today, March 12.

"I would like to thank the employers and employees for showing their confidence in our province and our future under extremely difficult circumstances," said Mr. Fage. "More Nova Scotians are going to work today than at any time in our province's history. This is clear proof that Nova Scotia's growth strategy is working."

Figures released this morning from Statistics Canada showed the number of Nova Scotians working exceeded 440,000 for the first time in the province's history. More than 31,000 new jobs have been created since the summer of 1999, with two-thirds of the new jobs coming after the 2000 release of Opportunities for Prosperity, the province's economic growth strategy.

"Creating the climate for the private sector to maintain existing jobs and create new jobs is key for everything we do as government," said Mr. Fage. "Growing the economy and creating jobs helps provide government with the dollars we need to improve the priorities of Nova Scotians -- health care and education."