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June 05, 2026LABOUR MARKET TRENDS, MAY 2026 May labour force survey results reflect the period from May 10 to 16, 2026.
Ages 15+ (May 2026 vs April 2026, seasonally adjusted)
Nova Scotia's seasonally adjusted employment decreased by 200 (-0.04%) to 528,500 in May. This follows an increase of 0.1% (+700) in April .
The change in employment reflected a decrease in full-time jobs (-1,000), partially offset by higher part-time employment (+700). Note that changes in full-time and part-time employment can also reflect changing hours for the same job.
Nova Scotia’s labour force rose by 4,600 (+0.8%) to 569,100 in May 2026.
With employment contracting on a larger labour force, Nova Scotia's unemployment rate rose 0.8 percentage points to 7.1% in May 2026.
Nova Scotia's participation rate increased 0.4 percentage points to 61.7%, while the employment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point to 57.3%
Ages 15+ (May 2026 vs May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
Compared with May 2025, Nova Scotia's population over the age of 15 increased by 10,200 (+1.1%), while the labour force rose by 6,200 (+1.1%), and employment rose by 2,300 (+0.4%). Compared to May 2025, the unemployment rate was up by 0.6 percentage points, while the participation rate was unchanged and the employment rate declined by 0.4 percentage points.
Ages 15+ (January-May 2026 vs January-May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
Compared with January-May 2025, Nova Scotia's population over the age of 15 increased by 9,200 (+1.0%), while the labour force rose by 5,900 (+1.1%), and employment rose by 3,900 (+0.7%). Compared to January-May 2025, the unemployment rate was up by 0.3 percentage points, while the participation rate was unchanged and the employment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point.
Note: Year-to-date estimates are calculated as averages of monthly data and rounded to the nearest tenth. Year-to-date changes in the table are also rounded to the nearest tenth.
Age Cohorts (May 2026 vs April 2026, seasonally adjusted)
Among youth (ages 15-24), employment increased by 3,300 (+5.2%), while the labour force increased by 3,200 (+4.3%). The youth unemployment rate fell 0.5 percentage points to 13.7% in May 2026. The youth participation rate rose 2.6 percentage points to 65.9% while the youth employment rate rose 2.7 percentage points to 57.0%.
The population aged 25-54 makes up the largest part of the labour force. In the core age group, employment fell 3,500 (-1.0%) while the labour force increased by 800 (+0.2%). With employment falling and labour force rising, the core aged unemployment rate rose 1.1 percentage points to 6.0% in May 2026. The core aged participation rate was unchanged at 88.2%, while the core aged employment rate fell 1.0 percentage point to 82.9%.
Among older workers (aged 55+) the labour force rose by 500 (+0.4%) while employment fell by 100 (-0.1%). With employment falling and labour force rising, the older worker unemployment rate rose 0.4 percentage points to 6.4%. The older worker participation rate edged up 0.1 percentage point to 31.7% and the employment rate was unchanged at 29.7%.
Males and Females (Ages 15+, May 2026 vs April 2026, seasonally adjusted)
Monthly employment fell by 1,900 (-0.7%) for males while the labour force rose by 1,700 (+0.6%) from April. With employment falling despite a larger labour force, the male unemployment rate rose by 1.2 percentage points to 7.8% in May. The male participation rate rose 0.3 percentage points to 65.6%, while the male employment rate declined 0.5 percentage points to 60.5%.
Females reported a labour force increase of 2,800 (+1.0%) and an employment increase of 1,700 (+0.7%). With labour force growing faster than employment, the female unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points to 6.4% in May. The female participation rate increased 0.5 percentage points to 57.9% while the employment rate increased 0.3 percentage points to 54.2%.
Employment decline in May was concentrated among core-aged workers (with a smaller decline for older workers), partially offset by higher employment for younger workers. Lower employment among males offset gains for females. Labour force gains were strongest for younger workers and females, with smaller gains among core-aged and older workers and males. Employment and labour force gains on little population growth resulted in fewer persons not in the labour force among youth. Declining employment on a larger labour force resulted in higher unemployment among core-aged workers and males.
Age and gender cohorts (May 2026 vs May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
Compared with May 2025, employment gains for core-aged workers more than offset the decline among youth and older workers. Employment gains were concentrated among males while female employment declined compared to one year ago. Labour force growth was reported for those aged 25-54 and both males and females, partially offset by a decline among younger and older workers compared to one year ago. Unemployment gains were concentrated among core-aged workers and females, with smaller increases other age cohorts and males. Population growth among older workers primarily translated into more persons not in the labour force, as labour force and employment declined.
Age and gender cohorts (January-May 2026 vs January-May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
In the first five months of 2026, labour force and employment gains were concentrated among core-aged and males. Population growth among females with little change in the labour force resulted in a larger number of persons not in the labour force, along with lower employment and higher unemployment. Males reported labour force growth that outpaced population growth, resulting in slightly less unemployment and fewer persons not in the labour force. Unemployment increases were concentrated among those aged 15-24 and females.
Class of Worker and Industry (May 2026 vs April 2026, seasonally adjusted)
Employment decline in May was due to lower public (-2,300, -1.6%) and self-employment (-300, -0.5%), partially offset by an increase in private sector employment (+2,500, +0.8%).
Classified by industry, the largest declines were in construction, professional/technical services, forestry/fishing/mining, and public administration. The largest increases were in wholesale/retail, accommodation/food services, and health care/social assistance.
Class of Worker and Industry (May 2026 vs May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
Compared to May 2025, employment increased for private sector workers (+3,100, +0.9%), and self-employment (+2,700, +5.1%), partially offset by lower public sector employment (-3,300, -2.3%).
Employment increased the most in transportation/warehousing, professional/technical services, and health care/social assistance. Employment fell the most in wholesale/retail trade and public administration.
Class of Worker and Industry (January-May 2026 vs January-May 2025, seasonally adjusted)
Compared to January-May 2025, employment increased for private sector (+4,000, +1.2%) and self-employment (+1,900, +3.5%), partially offset by a decline in public sector employment (-2,000, -1.4%).
Over the last 12 months, employment increased the most in professional/technical services, transportation/warehousing, and health care/social assistance. Employment fell the most in wholesale/retail trade and accommodation/food services.
Hours worked and employment (May 2026, unadjusted)
Compared to the provincial average, a larger share of workers in goods producing industries (except utilities), as well as transportation/warehousing and business support/call centres worked more than 40 hours per week in May 2026.
Note that some data on those working few hours or more than 40 hours in utilities, forestry/fishing/mining and agriculture were suppressed.
Average weekly earnings (unadjusted, both full time and part time, May 2026 vs May 2025)
Average weekly earnings increased by 3.5% from May 2025 to May 2026. The fastest gains in average weekly earnings were in agriculture, finance/insurance/real estate, construction and personal/repair services. Declines in average weekly wages were fastest in transportation/warehousing, health care/social assistance, and information/culture/recreation.
The increase in Nova Scotia's all items consumer price index was 4.3% from April 2025 to April 2026.
Average weekly earnings across all employees were $1,226.23 in May 2026. The highest average weekly earnings (both full and part time employees) were reported in utilities, professional/technical services, and public administration. The lowest average weekly earnings were in accommodation/food services, business support/call centres, and wholesale/retail trade.
Average weekly earnings (unadjusted, both full time and part time, January-May 2026 vs January-May 2025)
Average weekly earnings increased by 4.0% in the first five months of 2026. The fastest gains in average weekly earnings were in agriculture and personal/repair services, followed by finance/insurance/real estate and construction. Declines in average weekly wages were steepest in accommodation/food services and health care/social assistance.
Average weekly earnings across all employees were $1,228.70 in January-May 2026. The highest average weekly earnings (both full and part time employees) were reported in utilities, professional/technical services, and public administration. The lowest average weekly earnings were in accommodation/food services, wholesale/retail trade, and business support/call centres.
Regions (May 2026 vs May 2025, unadjusted 3 month moving average)
Compared with May 2025, population growth was primarily in Halifax, with smaller gains reported in the Annapolis Valley, North Shore, and Cape Breton regions (Southern Nova Scotia reported no population gains year-over-year). Cape Breton reported a decline in the labour force and no employment growth compared to one year ago, translating directly into more persons not in the labour force. In the North Shore region, employment gains with no change in the labour force resulted in fewer unemployed. The Annapolis Valley region reported growth in the labour force that outpaced population and employment growth, resulting in an increase in unemployment and fewer persons not in the labour force. Southern Nova Scotia reported employment growth outpacing growth in the labour force, drawing on persons not in the labour force. Halifax's labour force growth outpaced employment gains but lagged population growth, resulting in more unemployed and more persons not in the labour force.
Unemployment rates rose in Cape Breton, Annapolis Valley and Halifax, while they declined in the North Shore and Southern regions compared to May 2025.
Participation rates rose in Annapolis Valley, Southern Nova Scotia, and Halifax, while they declined in Cape Breton and the North Shore. Employment rates rose in all regions except Cape Breton.
Regions (January-May 026 vs January-May 2025, unadjusted 3 month moving average)
Compared with January-May 2025, population growth was primarily in Halifax, with smaller gains reported in Annapolis Valley, North Shore and Cape Breton regions. Cape Breton reported labour force decline outpacing employment decline, resulting in fewer unemployed and a rise in those not in the labour force. The North Shore region reported employment gains that outpaced labour force in the first five months of the year, reducing the number of unemployed. Employment declined in the Annapolis Valley with no change in the labour force, despite population growth, resulting in more persons unemployed and not in the labour force. Southern Nova Scotia reported no population growth, with growth in the labour force matching employment, resulting in fewer persons not in the labour force. Labour force gains outpaced employment in Halifax, resulting in more unemployed and a small increase in those not in the labour force.
Provincial Comparisons (seasonally adjusted)
Canada's labour force rose 0.02% from April to May, with growth in four provinces. The fastest decline was in Newfoundland and Labrador, while the fastest increase was in British Columbia followed by Nova Scotia.
Compared with May 2025, the national labour force was up 0.3%, with seven provinces reporting growth. Prince Edward Island reported the fastest increase compared to one year ago, while the fastest decline was in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada's employment was up 0.4% in May 2026, with six provinces reporting increases. The fastest decline was in Saskatchewan. Prince Edward Island reported the fastest growth.
Compared with May 2025, the national employment gain was 0.7% with six provinces reporting growth. The fastest growth was in Prince Edward Island. Newfoundland and Labrador reported the fastest decline compared to one year ago.
The national unemployment rate was 6.6% in May 2026, down from 7.0% in May 2025. Manitoba had the lowest unemployment rate while Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest unemployment rate in May 2026.
The national participation rate was 65.0% in May 2026. The highest participation rate was in Alberta while the lowest was in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The national employment rate was 60.7% in May 2026. Alberta reported the highest employment rate while Newfoundland and Labrador reported the lowest.
In unadjusted results, Nova Scotia's average weekly earnings grew by 3.5% year-over-year. National average weekly earnings were up 3.1% with gains in all provinces.
In the first five months of 2026, Nova Scotia's average weekly earnings grew by 4.0%. National average weekly earnings were up 3.8% in January-May 2026, with all provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador reporting growth.
Census Metropolitan Areas (May 2026, seasonally adjusted 3 month moving average)
The Halifax & East Hants unemployment rate was 5.7% in the seasonally adjusted May 2026 three month moving average. Outside of Halifax & East Hants the unemployment rate was 7.9%. In central and western provinces, unemployment rates in Census Metropolitan Areas are similar to or higher than unemployment rates outside of CMAs. In the Atlantic Provinces unemployment rates are typically higher outside of CMAs.
Halifax & East Hant's participation rate was 68.3% in the seasonally adjusted May 2026 three month moving average, while participation rates were 54.6% across the rest of the province.
Halifax & East Hants reported an employment rate of 64.4% in the seasonally adjusted May 2026 three month moving average, while the employment rate was 50.3% outside the city.
Sources: Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0036-01 Actual hours worked by industry, monthly, unadjusted for seasonality; Table 14-10-0063-01 Employee wages by industry, monthly, unadjusted for seasonality; Table 14-10-0287-01 Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months; Table 14-10-0380-01 Labour force characteristics, three-month moving average, seasonally adjusted; Table 14-10-0387-01 Labour force characteristics, three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality, last 5 months; Table 14-10-0355-01 Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted and unadjusted, and trend-cycle, last 5 months (x 1,000); Table 14-10-0288-01 Employment by class of worker, monthly, seasonally adjusted and unadjusted, last 5 months (x 1,000); Table: 14-10-0459-01 Labour force characteristics, three month moving average, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)