The second-smallest province in Canada, Nova Scotia is a Maritime Atlantic Canada province located halfway between the North Pole and the equator. This small province features a resource-based economy that's been diversified over the last few decades to include the aerospace, defence, and tourism sectors in addition to its reliance on fisheries. Offshore oil and gas, though now in decline, has also contributed significantly to Nova Scotia's economy. The Annapolis Valley on the western part of the province also boasts an important agriculture sector.
In addition, Nova Scotia is home to more than 100 film productions a year, making it the fourth-largest destination for the Canadian film industry. This has attracted tourism and hospitality businesses that contribute as much as C$1.3 billion to the economy each year.
Nova Scotia Job Opportunities
With so many various industries, Nova Scotia job opportunities are abundant. One of the province's fastest-growing industries is Information & Communications Technology, producing work for computer scientists, network administrators, communications specialists, IT specialists, business systems analysts, and web developers. A growing number of businesses also means more opportunities for marketing professionals. Job seekers can find work as sales representatives, brand ambassadors, customer service representatives, and marketing managers. This also translates to various retail positions, such as route sales managers, distributors, store managers, and sales associates.
Nova Scotia Employment Trends
Nova Scotia's unemployment rate dropped to around 8.8 per cent in May 2015 from over 9 per cent the previous year thanks to an increase in job opportunities, but this still higher than most provinces. In fact, Nova Scotia's annual growth rate is the lowest in Canada, but most residents live in rural areas and as much as 20 per cent are over the age of 65. Its economy may have stagnated, but excellent schools and a high quality of living continues to draw in newcomers willing to overlook the province's financial troubles.