New landmark study reveals Nova Scotia’s digital economy has become one of the province’s biggest economic drivers

New landmark study reveals Nova Scotia’s digital economy has become one of the province’s biggest economic drivers

Sector now employs nearly as many people as public administration, forestry, fishing and agriculture combined

HALIFAX, NS — June 15, 2026 — A first-of-its-kind study released today by Digital Nova Scotia reveals Nova Scotia’s digital economy has quietly become one of the province’s most important economic engines—now accounting for more than 11% of provincial GDP and supporting approximately 37,000 jobs across the province.The report, Nova Scotia's Digital Economy: Growth, Talent, & Transformation, paints the clearest picture to date of how technology is reshaping Nova Scotia’s economy, from ocean technology and clean tech to cybersecurity, AI and life sciences.Among the report’s most striking findings: while Canada’s broader labour market has softened significantly over the past year, Nova Scotia’s digital economy continues to show exceptionally strong demand for talent.The province’s technology sector unemployment rate currently sits at just 1.7%—effectively full employment in economic terms—and most employers surveyed said they expect to continue hiring over the next year, with virtually none anticipating layoffs.The report also suggests Nova Scotia is at a critical turning point. Economic modelling included in the study found the province could forgo more than $450 million in GDP and 2,600 jobs over the next several years if growth in the digital economy stalls.“This report shows Nova Scotia’s digital economy is no longer emerging—it’s established, growing, and increasingly central to the province’s future,” said Digital Nova Scotia CEO Owen Sagness. “Even in a challenging economic climate, companies continue to hire, invest and scale.”The study also found employers are facing growing challenges recruiting experienced mid- and senior-level talent, particularly in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity and data-related roles.Nova Scotia is now home to approximately 1,500 technology firms—the largest tech ecosystem in Atlantic Canada—while Halifax recently ranked #2 among emerging tech markets in North America in CBRE’s 2025 Scoring Tech Talent report.The full report, Nova Scotia's Digital Economy: Growth, Talent, & Transformation, is available at: https://digitalnovascotia.com/digital-economy-report/Media Contact:Ashley FieldMarketing & Communications ManagerDigital Nova Scotia902.225.4656ashley@digitalnovascotia.com