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June 7, 2021

Atlantic Labour Market Brief: May 2021

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Canada

Employment fell sharply in May, down from the previous month by 68,000 jobs. The job reductions occurred in both full-time and part-time positions. The unemployment rate increased slightly in May to 8.2%, influenced by the job reductions. The goods-producing sector lost jobs in May (-46,100), while the service sector saw job reductions of 21,800.

Labour Force: 20,211,600 (-55,900) Employment: 18,559,200 (-68,000)

Atlantic Canada

Employment fell sharply in May, down from the previous month by 26,700 jobs. The job reductions occurred in both full-time and part-time positions. The rate of unemployment rose sharply, going from 9.4% to 10.3%, influenced by the job reductions. The goods-producing sector lost jobs in May (-6,200), while the service sector saw job reductions of 20,500.

Labour Force: 1,227,400 (-17,800) Employment: 1,101,100 (-26,700)

Nova Scotia

  • Labour Force: 492,100
  • Employment: 443,700
  • Unemployment Rate: 9.8%
  • Labour Force Change: -15,100
  • Employment Change: -22,200
  • Unemployment Rate Change: +1.7

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