Nova Scotia Keeps Setting New Jobs Records

For the fourth month in a row, Nova Scotia has set another employment record.

New figures released by Statistics Canada today, June 4, reported that 449,200 Nova Scotians were employed during the month of May. It's an increase of 3,700 new jobs compared to the previous month. Over the last 12 months, 12,700 new jobs have been created, and 40,000 have been created since the summer of 1999.

"This is great news. More and more Nova Scotians are finding jobs, going to work and collecting a pay cheque than at any time in our province's history," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage. "Once again, I would like to thank our employers and employees for continuing to show faith in Nova Scotia and respond so favourably to our growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity."

The Statistics Canada report also showed that monthly employment increased in every region of the province.

"It's important that all Nova Scotians, regardless of where they live, be it Sydney Mines, Yarmouth, Berwick, Amherst or Halifax, share in the benefits that only the dignity of a new job will bring," added Mr. Fage. "We are acting on one of the key directions of our growth strategy, that helping build stronger regional economies will build a stronger provincial economy."

On May 31, Mr. Fage announced that Nova Scotia Economic Development would help expand the Composites Atlantic advanced manufacturing facility in Lunenburg. Last week, Nova Scotia Business Incorporated announced assistance to MacLeod Resources in River Denys, Inverness Co., to expand its export sales and double its workforce.

"We know that no government creates jobs, but government can and should take steps -- such as competitive taxation and better infrastructure -- to create a climate for the private sector to grow and succeed," said Mr. Fage.

In the last month, the Nova Scotia government has adopted a number of measures to keep stimulating private-sector growth for the year ahead. The 2004-05 budget passed in May includes personal income tax reductions for low- and middle-income Nova Scotians and accelerated small business tax relief. It also increased provincial investments in critical transportation infrastructure, such as highways, roads and bridges.