Nova Scotia's Unemployment Rate Lowest Since 1976

The unemployment rate in Nova Scotia has fallen to 7.7 per cent -- the lowest provincial rate in a generation, according to new figures from Statistics Canada.

The May employment survey was released Friday, June 10, by the federal agency. Among its findings:

• the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.7 per cent -- the lowest since March 1976
• 3,200 new jobs were created in Nova Scotia in May -- out of 35,400 new jobs created nationwide
• 92.3 per cent of the provincial labour force was working in May -- 448,100 people

"All Nova Scotians should be encouraged to know that we've hit an almost 30-year low in unemployment," said Premier John Hamm. "I want to thank our employers and employees for their commitment and their continued confidence in the bright future of our province."

Since the summer of 1999, 44,400 new jobs have been created in Nova Scotia.

"Our government is more committed than ever to creating a climate for private sector growth, so all Nova Scotians can live, work and raise a family in the community of their choice," added the premier. "We are working to keep this positive momentum going --all over the province."

Strengthening regional economies is one of the key strategies in Nova Scotia's growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, released in the fall of 2000. According to Statistics Canada, over the last five years, more people are working in every region of the province.