the digby-yarmouth-barrington workforce advantage

Transcription

THE DIGBY-YARMOUTH-BARRINGTON
WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE
September 2014
Table of Contents
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and the importance of a high quality workforce .............................................................2
The Case for Investing in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington: Five Key Workforce Advantages .............................................3
Transportation .......................................................................................................................................................5
Digby County: Fishing, agriculture and transportation hub ..........................................................................................6
Community Profile: Clare Municipal District .............................................................................................................8
Community Profile: Digby Municipal District ............................................................................................................9
Community Profile: Town of Digby ..........................................................................................................................10
Hospitality, Recreation and Lifestyle ...................................................................................................................12
Yarmouth County: Fishing, manufacturing and regional services hub .......................................................................13
Community Profile: Argyle Municipal District .........................................................................................................15
Community Profile: Yarmouth Municipal District ....................................................................................................17
Community Profile: Town of Yarmouth ...................................................................................................................18
Community Profile: Barrington Municipal District ..................................................................................................19
Community Profile: Town of Clark’s Harbour ..........................................................................................................20
Health Services and Post-Secondary Education ..................................................................................................22
Nova Scotia offers distinct workforce training advantages .........................................................................................23
Nova Scotia provides workforce development support ..............................................................................................24
Recruiting workers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington .....................................................................................................26
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and its highly competitive labour costs .........................................................................28
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington offers an unmatched quality of life ................................................................................29
Home Business to Large Industries ......................................................................................................................31
Conclusion: The Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington workforce will be key to regional economic transformation ..............32
THE DIGBY-YARMOUTH-BARRINGTON WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE
1
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and the importance of a high quality
workforce
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington, encompassing Digby and
Yarmouth counties – as well as the Barrington
Municipal District and the Town of Clark’s Harbour - is
located in southwestern Nova Scotia. It covers over
5,300 square kilometres and has a population of over
50,000 people or 5.6 percent of the provincial total.
Included in the region are the municipal districts of
Clare, Yarmouth, Argyle, Digby and Barrington as well
as the towns of Yarmouth, Digby and Clark’s Harbour.
Figure 1: Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington
The economy of the area is based on natural resource
industries - ranging from fishing and seafood
Digby
processing to specialized agriculture. The region is
Yarmouth
also a strategic transportation hub connecting Nova
Barrington
Scotia to New Brunswick via the Digby ferry and
Clark’s Harbour
Portland, Maine via the Yarmouth ferry. The natural
beauty of the area and key tourism assets make it a
popular destination for visitors to Atlantic Canada and are the main reasons why people choose to live in the
region. Renewable energy is emerging as an important strategic sector.
The future looks bright for renewable energy technologies in The Municipality of the District of
Digby. There are a myriad of opportunities from tidal development, to biogas production, wind
and smart grid technologies. Companies from around the globe want to be part of the supply
chain to the tidal industry. Our location has an appeal beyond our wildest expectations and this
will translate into a robust regional economy into 2020.
Terry Thibodeau, Coordinator
Renewable Energy & Climate Change
This document, the Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington Workforce Advantage, was developed to highlight the key
workforce benefits in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and help businesses as they consider their workforce
requirements and evaluate expansion opportunities. It is meant for both local businesses and those considering
new operations in the region.
Ian McNicol, Owner and President, Garian
Construction, sees many advantages of
The quality and availability of the workforce are critical
doing business in southwest NS, such as a
components of any business investment decision making
decent labour force, good ferries to US
process. Labour costs account for between 30 and 50
and NB, the strength of the fishery and its
percent of the total operating costs of a typical business.
positive effect on the economy. “There’s
Efficient and productive operations require a high quality and
lots of optimism in the air,” he says.
motivated workforce.
2
The recruitment and training environment is also key. Businesses that have difficulty recruiting staff or are unable
to retain their trained workforce will struggle to be successful. The Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington workforce is loyal
and productive.
Nova Scotia’s workforce has a long history of producing high quality products
There are over 4,000
and services through innovative thinking and hard-work. In Digby-Yarmouthbusiness establishments in
Barrington, innovation is complimented with a strong natural resource base,
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington
and internationally recognized tourism and cultural industries.
and 25,000 persons in the
labour market.
The Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington area is evolving. The region is looking for a
new wave of entrepreneurs and national and international firms to invest and
create good employment opportunities in key sector areas where there is a natural competitive advantage.
The market is on a definite upswing. The lobster fishery is healthy and stable. There are several sound investments
being made in this area, especially from the U.S. and China. These are long term commitments and wouldn’t be made
here unless the future was bright from a business point of view. Conditions are ripe for start-ups and expansions.
Dave Wilson, President
Wilson’s Shopping Centre Ltd
This Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington Workforce Advantage report will support these businesses as they plan for the
future.
The Case for Investing in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington: Five Key
Workforce Advantages
Companies expanding in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington benefit from five key workforce advantages:
1.
A LOYAL AND PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE with expertise in natural
resources development and manufacturing as well as solid
base of service and tourism-based industry skills.
2.
One of the MOST COMPETITIVE BUSINESS COST ENVIRONMENTS IN
NORTH AMERICA with a labour cost advantage compared to
U.S. jurisdictions.
3.
An UNMATCHED QUALITY OF LIFE AND LOW COST OF LIVING IN THE
REGION that acts as a magnet for employee recruitment and
supports a high level of employee retention. Average
employee tenure in Nova Scotia is among the highest among the 60 U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
4.
Access to one of the STRONGEST PROVINCIAL EDUCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEMS in Canada. Nova Scotia has more
university students, adjusted for population size, than all other provinces in Canada. Digby-YarmouthBarrington is home to the only French-language university in Nova Scotia, Université Sainte-Anne, and a
major Nova Scotia Community College campus offering customized training solutions for firms moving into
the region.
“Having my business in my back yard allows me to
walk to work—then sail five minutes to my farm. I
don't have to deal with any road traffic!” says Nolan
D’Eon from the Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd. in St.
Anne de Ruisseau. The farm also hosts experiential
tours as a value-added part of their business, and
has been featured in Chatelaine, The Chronicle
Herald, Globe & Mail, and On Air Magazine.
3
5.
Multiple PROGRAMS TO HELP FIRMS RECRUIT AND TRAIN THEIR DIGBY-YARMOUTH-BARRINGTON WORKFORCE. The Nova
Scotia government provides comprehensive workforce development support to companies investing in the
region. An Industry Response Team supports businesses by matching firms to appropriate workforce
programs, assisting them with accessing customized training for staff through the province’s community
college system, supporting with staff recruitment from outside Nova Scotia, and in some instances, providing
matchmaking support to ensure firms have the qualified staff they need to generate a strong return from
their investment in the region.
In addition to workforce advantages, the overall business environment in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is highly
attractive and offers firms:
 A VERY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS TAX ENVIRONMENT. A KPMG report that looked at the full range of business taxes
(income, property and payroll-based taxes) in over
200 global jurisdictions found that Nova Scotia
Yarmouth International Airport (CYQI) is strategically
offered one of the lowest cumulative tax
located in south western Nova Scotia as a gateway to
environments.
Canadian and North American markets. Our trained staff
 GOOD QUALITY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE including
road, port and air transportation infrastructure in the
region.
 A STRONG FISCAL ENVIRONMENT.
 EXCELLENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS. A number of
economic and business support organizations exist
that encourage industrial expansion and foster new
entrepreneurs.
is prepared to provide friendly, professional service from
our ready-to-use facilities, including 5000 and 6000 foot
runways. Opportunities suitable for aerospace
development requiring secure infrastructure, land, and
buildings are available immediately. Our region supports
business with a stable workforce and community
partnerships. We are open for business!
Mike Fields, Manager
Yarmouth International Airport
 LOW COST LAND and affordable real estate costs.
 Local and provincial governments COMMITTED TO LONG TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Renewable Energy
4
Transportation
Yarmouth International Airport
TC Media
Digby-St.John Ferry
5
Digby County: Fishing, agriculture and transportation hub
Digby County has a estimated population of 17,500 (2013)
and a labour market of 8,700 workers or 34 percent of the
total Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington workforce. There are
nearly 1,300 registered business establishments operating
in the county. The Digby County Location Quotient is
weighted towards fishing, agriculture, education,
manufacturing and retail trade (Fig.2).
Figure 2: Digby County Location Quotient*
Canadian labour market = 1.00
 Digby County is a fishing and agricultural
powerhouse
There are over 1,400 people employed in the agriculture,
fishing and forestry sector in Digby County or 17 percent
of the workforce. Overall, the community has nearly
seven times as many people employed in this sector
compared to the country as a whole (Fig.2).
Agriculture, forestry,
fishing and hunting
6.73
Educational services
1.38
Manufacturing
1.27
Retail trade
1.13
Construction
0.95
Health care and social
assistance
0.92
Accommodation and food
0.91
Digby County has a particular expertise in mink farming
services
with over 70 registered business establishments in this
sector or 16 percent of the national total in this sector
*A number greater than 1.00 means a higher intensity of
employment compared to the national labour market.
(NAICS 112930 - Fur-Bearing Animal and Rabbit
Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey (2011).
Production). The industry has developed a local supply
chain integrating fish by-products into the food supply and by using local manufacturing and service firms.
Rob Rodenizer, Office Manager at Southwest Eco Energy Ltd., is enthused about the potential for this company. In a
nutshell, five mink ranchers set up the company, installing an anaerobic digester that turns mink manure and waste
feed into methane, which, in turn, produces electricity. “We are planning to double our capacity by adding another
digester,” he says. “We should be producing electricity by 2015.”
Fishing and fish processing remains a key driver of the economy and labour market. There are nearly 1,100
workers in fishing and in fish and seafood processing across the county.
 Digby County is a health care and educational services centre
There are over 1,550 persons working in the health care and education sectors in Digby County – an amount
representing more than 20 percent of total employment. There are nearly 40 percent more people employed in
educational services compared to the national labour market. This includes primary and secondary school
employment as well as the workers at Université Sainte-Anne. There are 875 persons working in the health care
sector across the county.
 Digby County has a solid manufacturing sector
There are 70+ firms in the Digby manufacturing sector employing close to 900 people or 12 percent of the county
workforce. Fish processing is the largest employer but there are more than 400 people employed in other sectors
such as wood products manufacturing, fabricated metal manufacturing as well as ship and boat building.
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 Digby County is a retail services and tourism hub
Digby County is home to 170+ retail services firms employing more than
1,100 people. The region features a full range of retail firms including
small, niche shops and multinational general merchandise stores. The
county also is home to a developed tourism industry with over 600 people
working in the accommodation, food services, arts and entertainment
sectors. On a relative basis, Digby County has twice as many people
working in accommodations services compared to the national labour
market.
DID YOU KNOW?
THE WHARF RAT RALLY IN DIGBY
BRINGS IN OVER 80,000 VISITORS,
25,000 BIKES, AND INJECTS $10
MILLION INTO THE REGION
 Digby County features an available workforce with a concentration of trades and college-level educated
workers
The Digby County workforce has a higher percentage of
Figure 3: Persons collecting Employment Insurance by
people with college certificates or diplomas than the
broad occupational group (2013) - Digby County
national or provincial population (among those aged 2564). The unemployed labour force is also fairly well
Natural resources
1,056
educated with 45 percent having some post-secondary
occupations
credentials. The employment rate (the percentage of
Processing and
651
adult population with jobs) in Digby County is 49 percent
manufacturing occupations
– well below the national level of 61 percent – indicating
potential for considerable workforce expansion among
Sales-related occupations
492
the adult population.
Trades support
364
occupations
There were over 3,200 persons in the county who
collected Employment Insurance (EI) in 2013 – this pool of
Skilled trades
236
workers may be targets for full time, full year
employment opportunities (the breakdown by category
Business, finance and
shown in Fig.3).
171
adminstrative occupations
Over 900 of these workers have experience or are skilled
in management or services occupations. In addition, over
2,300 of them have experience or skills in trades, natural
resources development or manufacturing sectors.
Health, community and
government services
123
Source: Service Canada.
In addition, in the profile of the Digby County labour market in the 2011 National Household Survey, forty-five
percent of the unemployed workers had some form of post-secondary certificate, diploma
or degree.
 Digby County has shown a demonstrated ability to attract talent from outside the region
Eighteen percent of the 2011 Digby County workforce between the ages of 25-34 lived in another jurisdiction in
2006 (nearly two out of every five workers in this age group). Despite challenging economic times, the county has
been able to attract workers when there are employment opportunities. In recent years outward migration of
workers from Digby County has increased providing a pool of workers that may be attracted back for good job
opportunities.
7
Community Profile: Clare Municipal District
The Municipality of Clare, in Digby County, is located on the Bay
of Fundy coast and has a population of 8,130. There are
approximately 4,200 people in the Clare labour market working in
the community’s more than 450 business establishments. The
Clare Location Quotient is weighted towards fishing, agriculture,
education, manufacturing, construction and health care (Fig. 4).
Figure 4: Clare Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
6.89
1.57
Manufacturing
1.43
DID YOU KNOW?
ASIDE FROM PRODUCING WORLD CLASS
FISHING VESSELS AND VARIOUS BOATS, A.F.
THERIAULT & SON LTD. HAS PRODUCED OVER
250 HAMMERHEADS—A UNIQUE TARGET
DRONE USED TO COMBAT TERRORISM.
 Clare has a significant mink farming industry
Clare shares a large scale mink farming industry with the Digby
Municipal District. Close to 400 people work in the industry’s 70+
mink farms across the two municipalities.
Construction
1.07
assistance
1.02
*A number greater than 1.00 means a higher
intensity of employment compared to the national
labour market.
Source: Statistics Canada National Household
Survey (2011).
 Fishing and seafood processing is a major economic driver
Fishing, aquaculture and the processing of seafood provides
employment for more than 500 workers who live in Clare. There are over 100 registered business establishments
in the fishing, fish processing and seafood wholesale
industries in the community.
Seacrest Fisheries in Comeauville produces tens of
thousands of tons of mink feed for the agriculture
 Université Sainte-Anne is a major employer
sector which has a huge mink industry in the region.
The university has more than 100 employees living in Clare
Brian Saulnier, President and GM of Seacrest, says,
including 50 university professors*. Adjusted for
“The mink producers have a year round operation so
workforce size, Clare has more than three times as many
we are able to offer full time jobs.” He adds, “One of
university professors in its workforce compared to the
the advantages of doing business in rural areas is the
Canadian labour market.
attractive lifestyle and lower cost of living.”
 Manufacturing
There are more than 500 persons working in Clare’s 30+ manufacturing facilities. In addition to seafood
production, there is a major boat building firm as well as a number of smaller, niche product manufacturers.
 Clare features a bilingual and trained workforce
The municipal district of Clare is one of the most bilingual communities in Canada outside of Quebec with 74
percent of the population able to speak both French and English. Sixty percent of the workforce has postsecondary education (either trades, college or university). More than half of the unemployed workforce in 2011
had some form of post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. The bilingual workforce in Clare could be
accessed for home-based work opportunities for firms looking for this skillset but that do not want to set up a
physical location in the community.
8
 The high quality of life and low cost of living in Clare is attractive
A low cost of living and excellent recreation and tourism-related amenities are key assets for the community. Only
15 percent of households spend 30 percent or more of their household income on shelter costs (mortgage, etc.)
compared to 18.5 percent of all Canadians. The average Clare household spends $560 per month on shelter costs
compared to $1,141 across the country. The average value of a house in 2011 was $135,000 compared to
$345,000 across the country making home ownership more
DID YOU KNOW?
accessible for families.
COMEAU’S SEAFOODS LTD. HAS BEEN A LEADER IN
THE CANADIAN OCEAN FOOD INDUSTRY FOR OVER 50
*At the time of the 2011 National Household Survey.
YEARS, AND HAS A STOCKROOM THAT SERVICES THE
NEEDS OF INDUSTRIAL MARINE CLIENTS WORLDWIDE.
Community Profile: Digby Municipal District
The Digby Municipal District has a population of 7,500 and a
workforce of over 3,500 people working in the community’s
more than 800 business establishments. The Digby
Municipal District Location Quotient is weighted towards
fishing, agriculture, retail trade, education, manufacturing
and administration and support (Fig.5).
Figure 5: Digby Municipal District Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
 The role of the mink farming industry
The Digby Municipal District shares a large scale mink
farming industry with Clare. Close to 400 people work in the
industry’s 70+ mink farms across the two municipalities.
 Fishing, fish processing and distribution is a major
provider of employment
There are 160+ business establishments in the Digby
Municipal District involved in fishing, fish processing and
wholesale activities. In total, the industry provides the
community with close to 400 jobs.
 Services and retail trade are other key industries
The Digby Municipal District workforce also has an above
average number of service industry workers – particularly
retail trade (550 workers) and education services (350
workers). Some of these workers are employed in the
neighbouring Town of Digby.
7.13
Retail trade
1.35
1.34
Administrative and
support
1.10
services
1.04
Manufacturing
1.03
Other services (except
public administration)
0.99
Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey
(2011).
 The Digby Municipal District has a high self-employment rate
Fourteen percent of workers in the Digby Municipal District are self-employed compared to only eight percent
across Nova Scotia and 11 percent Canada-wide. This is due primarily to the fishing and agricultural sectors.
 The Digby Municipal District features an available workforce
The Digby Municipal District has a relatively high unemployment rate at 17 percent of the adult population
compared to 7.8 percent across the country and 10 percent across Nova Scotia (at the time of the 2011 National
9
Household Survey). The community’s relatively low employment rate of 61 percent of those aged 25-64 also
points to available workers. Thirty-four percent of unemployed workers have some form of post-secondary
certificate, diploma or degree.
 The Digby Municipal District offers an attractive cost of living and quality of life
The Digby Municipal District offers rural living along the Bay of Fundy coast in close proximity to the Town of Digby.
The average household in the Digby Municipal District spends $613 per month on shelter costs compared to
$1,141 across the country. The average value of a house in 2011 was $137,000 compared to $345,000 across the
country making home ownership more accessible for families.
Community Profile: Town of Digby
The Town of Digby has a population of just over 2,000
residents and a workforce residing in the town of
approximately 850 people. The total number of people who
work in Digby is closer to 2,200*. The Town of Digby Location
Quotient is weighted towards fishing, agriculture, education,
administration, retail trade, manufacturing, health care and
accommodation and food services (Fig.6).
 The Town of Digby pulls workers from the wider area
Less than one quarter of the
people who work in the town
DID YOU KNOW?
actually live in the town. The
THE MV BLUE STAR ITHAKI
rest commute in from other
WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED
communities swelling the
TO REPLACE THE MV
total employment base in the
PRINCESS OF ACADIA,
town to more than its total
OFFERING SERVICE BETWEEN
population (Fig.7). Workers
DIGBY, NS AND SAINT JOHN,
commute in from Yarmouth
NB. THE FERRY WILL BE IN
and Annapolis Counties and
OPERATION EARLY IN 2015.
as far away as Halifax.
Figure 6: Town of Digby Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
4.38
Administrative and
support
2.05
Retail trade
1.52
Manufacturing
1.51
assistance
1.04
services
1.04
Source: Statistics Canada Nat. Household Survey (2011).
 The Bay of Fundy drives the town’s economy
The fishing sector with its world famous Digby scallops as well as the Digby Ferry are two main components of the
town’s economy.
 Services and retail trade are other key industries
The Town of Digby is a shopping, food and services hub. The town’s resident workforce has 50 percent more
workers in retail trade compared to the national labour market. It also has more accommodation and food service
employment than the national average. Digby is home to a regional hospital that supports the population across
the region.
10
The Town of Digby features an available workforce
The town also has a relatively high unemployment rate at
15 percent of the adult population compared to 7.8 percent
across the country and 10 percent across Nova Scotia (at
the time of the 2011National Household Survey).
Figure 7: Sources of Workers in the Town of Digby
Workers in the town by source community (% of total)
However, the low employment rate (44 percent of the
adult population) indicates a potential surplus workforce.
Digby, T
23%
Clare, MD
14%
Digby,
MD
50%
Other
13%
Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey.
*NOTE: The National Household Survey reports labour market data based on where people live and not where
they work. The Town of Digby data shown here is for the population that lives in the town (except in Fig.7).
Acadian Culture
YMCA Fun Run
11
Hospitality, Recreation and Lifestyle
Kayaking in Gilbert's Cove
AGNS Western Branch
12
Yarmouth County: Fishing, manufacturing and regional services hub
Yarmouth County has an estimated population of 25,000
(2013) and a labour market of approximately 12,300
workers with a significant concentration of employment in
fishing, manufacturing, retail trade and health care
services. There are some 2,000 business establishments
operating in the county. The Yarmouth County Location
Quotient is weighted towards fishing, health care, retail
trade and manufacturing (Fig.8).
Figure 8: Yarmouth County Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
assistance
5.28
1.32
Retail trade
1.13
 Fishing is a key driver of the Yarmouth County
economy
There are close to 1,300 persons working in the fishing
Manufacturing
1.10
sector as well as 500 employed in seafood products
manufacturing. Fifteen percent of the workforce is
employed in these two industries. Adjusted for labour
market size, there are seven times as many people
working in the fishing sector in Yarmouth County
compared to the rest of the province. There are over 600 registered business establishments operating in fishing,
fish processing and fish wholesale operations. In addition, there are a number of small to medium sized boat
building and repair operations in the county.
Aside from selling our products across Canada and the U.S., IMO Foods has clients in the Caribbean, Australia, New
Zealand and Hong Kong. Sure there are challenges doing business here, but the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages. For example, we have a great fishery at our doorstep, and we have no trouble getting workers. Also,
unlike large urban centres, it’s easy to connect with business leaders, municipal officials and politicians.
Phil LeBlanc, Manager
IMO Foods Ltd.
 Yarmouth County is a health care centre
There are 1,800 people employed in the Yarmouth County health care sector or approximately 15 percent of the
workforce. Adjusted for labour market size, there are twice as many people working in the hospital sector than
the national labour market and 14 percent more working in ambulatory health care services. The county has over
400 people working as nurses or licensed practical nurses – 60 percent more when compared to the provincial
labour market. Yarmouth County has 87 percent more medical technologists and technicians and three times as
many pharmacists, dietitians and nutritionists compared to the national labour market.
The Yarmouth Regional Hospital has an outstanding track record, from leading the way in laparoscopic
surgery, to having a dialysis unit and cancer clinic. Dr. Ed Janke, retired surgeon and former Chief-of-Staff
adds, “Medical care is but one of many services that benefit rural citizens. Education and security,
affordable housing, and the ability to know your neighbour are high on the list of benefits, and that’s all
available here.”
13
 Yarmouth County is a retail trade and services centre
There are over 1,600 persons working in retail trade in Yarmouth County or 13 percent of the workforce. Adjusted
for labour market size, there are 13 percent more people working in Yarmouth County’s retail sector than the
national labour market. Nearly 400 people work in food and beverage stores, more than 200 in health and
personal care stores and more than 200 in general merchandise retailers. The county has 23 percent more people
working in accommodation services and nine percent more employed in provincial government public
administration compared to the national labour market.
 Administrative services is an important sector of the economy
A large customer contact centre pushes the level of administrative occupational employment well above the
provincial and national labour markets. There are more than 1,700 persons working in business, finance and
administrative occupations – similar to the provincial labour market.
 Yarmouth County has a bilingual workforce
Nearly one in three adults in Yarmouth County can speak both English and French – well above the provincial rate
(10 percent) and the national rate (17 percent). The Argyle Municipal District population in particular is 62 percent
bilingual and provides a potential pool of workers for jobs that require bilingualism and that can be done from
home-based offices.
 The Yarmouth County workforce is known for its trades and technical skills
The Yarmouth County labour market has a higher percentage of people with trades certificates and college
education than the national average. Forty-three percent of the Yarmouth County population aged 25-64 have a
trade certificate or college diploma compared to 33 percent across Canada.
With the advances in technology such as smart
phones, Facebook, and the internet, you don’t need
to live in towns or cities that produce newspapers to
access the news and what’s happening. Here at the
Yarmouth Vanguard, we help people to keep in
touch, and strive to keep people abreast of things
that are going on that can impact businesses. We
also celebrate expansions and new start-ups in the
region.
Tina Comeau, Managing Editor
Yarmouth Vanguard
Figure 9: Persons collecting Employment Insurance by
broad occupational group (2013) - Yarmouth County
 Yarmouth County features an available workforce
The employment rate in Yarmouth County is 53.5 percent –
well below the national level of 61 percent – indicating
potential for considerable workforce expansion among the
current adult population.
Natural resources
occupations
Processing and
manufacturing occupations
1,525
677
Sales-related occupations
Trades support
occupations
Skilled trades
Business, finance and
adminstrative occupations
Health, community and
government services
612
391
333
247
200
Source: Service Canada.
There were 4,300 persons who collected Employment
Insurance (EI) in 2013 – this pool of workers is a target for full time, full year employment opportunities (Fig.9).
The majority of these workers are in natural resources, trades, manufacturing and related occupations. FortyTHE DIGBY-YARMOUTH-BARRINGTON WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE
14
seven percent of the unemployed population aged 25-64 in Yarmouth County have a post-secondary certificate,
diploma or degree.
 The high quality of life and low cost of living in Yarmouth County are attractive to newcomers
Only 13 percent of Yarmouth County households spend more than 30 percent of monthly household income on
shelter costs. The average monthly shelter costs for a family owning their residence in Yarmouth County are 37
percent below the national average. The median value of dwellings in 2011 was $157,000 or 55 percent below the
national level. This low cost of living combined with a high quality of life makes the area attractive for newcomers.
Yarmouth County businesses can attract workers from elsewhere in the province and beyond. One-third of the
population aged 25-29 living in Yarmouth County in 2011 lived outside the county in 2006. In addition, the
county’s immigrant numbers are up modestly in recent years.
Community Profile: Argyle Municipal District
The Argyle Municipal District has a population of approximately
8,200 people and a workforce of over 4,300. There are more
than 600 registered business establishments operating in the
community. The Argyle Municipal District Location Quotient is
weighted towards fishing, manufacturing, health care, other
services and retail trade (Fig.10). The Université Sainte-Anne
has a satellite office in the community.
Figure 10: Argyle Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
8.44
1.73
0.99
assistance
 The Argyle Municipal District workforce is based in large
part on the fishery
0.98
There are nine times as many
DID YOU KNOW?
people working in the
ALTHOUGH OCEAN PRIDE
Retail trade
0.94
agriculture, forestry and
FISHERIES LOCATED IN LOWER
fishing sector in the Argyle
WEDGEPORT SELLS A VARIETY
Municipal District compared to
*A number greater than 1.00 means a higher
OF SEAFOOD; ITS CORE
the national labour market.
intensity of employment compared to the national
BUSINESS IS SEA CUCUMBER
labour market.
Over 900 people work in
(CUCUMARIA FRONDOSA),
fishing and fish processing or
WHICH IS EXPORTED TO CHINA.
(2011).
20 percent of the local labour
market. There are over 340
registered business establishments operating in fishing, fish processing and fish wholesale operations.
 The Argyle Municipal District has a fairly large manufacturing workforce
Sixteen percent of the community’s workforce, 690 people in total, is employed in manufacturing – well above
both the national and provincial labour markets adjusted for the size of the population. The bulk of the
employment is in the more than 20 fish-related manufacturing operations.
15
 The Argyle Municipal District has a highly bilingual workforce
Over 60 percent of adults in the Argyle Municipal District can speak both English and French – among the highest
rate of bilingualism of any community in Canada outside of Quebec and French-speaking New Brunswick. This
provides a potential pool of workers for jobs that require bilingualism and that can be done from home-based
offices.
Having a bilingual workforce a plus. The fact that many students in the region who do their studies both at the
elementary and secondary level, and who can also graduate from a French university is a definite asset to clients,
business owners and employers. In today’s business world, this is an important feature to factor in.
Peter Boudreau, Director
Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
 The Argyle Municipal District features an available
workforce
The Argyle Municipal District also has a relatively high
unemployment rate at 12 percent of the adult population
compared to 7.8 percent across the country (at the time of the
2011 National Household Survey). Nearly 70 percent of the
unemployed population aged 25-64 in the Argyle Municipal
District have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree
(Fig.11).
Figure 11: Percentage of the unemployed with
post-secondary education qualifications
Argyle (municipal
district)
Nova Scotia
Canada
68%
55%
57%
 The Argyle Municipal District offers a high quality of life and
low cost of living
A low cost of living and excellent recreation and tourism-related
(2011).
amenities are key assets for the community. Only eight percent of
households spend 30 percent or more of their household income on shelter costs (mortgage, etc.) compared to
18.5 percent across Canada. The average value of a house in 2011 was $148,000 in the community compared to
$345,000 across the country making home ownership more accessible for families.
We’ve been blessed to host the Bay of Fundy Sea Kayaking Symposium here for the past three years.
Participants come from all over the world, including Wales, the U.S.,Germany, the U.K., New Zealand, and
California just to name a few. Our business was up 34 percent in 2013 and up 40% in 2014. There’s been a
positive economic turn and it’s a good time to be doing business in our region.
Jonathan Joseph
Ye Old Argyler
16
Community Profile: Yarmouth Municipal District
The Yarmouth Municipal District features a population of
approximately 10,000 people and a workforce of over
5,000. There are some 770 registered business
establishments operating in the community. The Yarmouth
Municipal District Location Quotient is weighted towards
fishing, health care, real estate, retail trade, education,
administration and construction (Fig.12).
 Fishing is an important sector
Although the fishing sector is not as important in the
Yarmouth Municipal District as other communities in the
region, it still provides 400 jobs or about eight percent of
the total workforce. There are over 220 registered
business establishments operating in fishing, fish
processing and fish wholesale operations.
 The health care sector accounts for 17 percent of the
workforce
The Yarmouth Municipal District labour market has an
estimated 840 people working in health care and social
assistance or about 50 percent more than the national
labour market, on a relative basis. This includes 250
nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides.
Figure 12: Yarmouth Municipal District Location
Quotient*
fishing and hunting
assistance
3.25
1.53
Real estate and rental
and leasing
1.27
Retail trade
1.23
1.21
Administrative and
support
1.17
Construction
1.02
(2011).
 The workforce has a significant services component
Compared to the national labour market, the Yarmouth Municipal District labour market has a
higher percentage of workers in real estate, retail trade, educational services and
administrative support. A full 23 percent of the workforce is employed in sales and services
occupations (1,160 in total).
DID YOU KNOW?
WEB.COM HAS HAD
OVER 30 YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE HELPING
OVER 30 MILLION SMALL
BUSINESSES SUCCEED ON
 The Yarmouth Municipal District features an educated workforce
Sixty percent of the workforce aged 25-64 in the Yarmouth Municipal District have some form
of post-secondary education. More than 40 percent of adults aged 25-64 that are not currently
in the labour market have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.
LINE; THEY HAVE A MAJOR
PRESENCE IN YARMOUTH.
 The Yarmouth Municipal District offers a high quality of life and low cost of living
A low cost of living and excellent recreation and tourism-related amenities are key assets for the community. The
average household spends $643 per month on shelter costs compared to $1,141 across the country. The average
value of a house in 2011 was $167,000 in the community compared to $345,000 across the country making home
ownership more accessible for families.
17
Community Profile: Town of Yarmouth
The Town of Yarmouth has a population of some 6,500
residents and a workforce residing in the town of
approximately 3,100 people. The total number of people who
work in the town, however, is closer to 6,500*. The Town of
Yarmouth Location Quotient is weighted towards fishing,
administration, health care, retail trade and accommodation
and food services (Fig.13).
Gary Kent owns Vincent Dressings, and produces a
variety of salad dressings on a commercial scale. Aside
from selling in over 30 outlets throughout the province,
he recently made a successful foray into Ontario.
“Although it can be challenging to reach bigger and
farther away markets, it can be done with innovation,
hard work, and support from the business community.
It’s very rewarding conducting a business here.”
Figure 13: Town of Yarmouth Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
Administrative and
support
assistance
4.05
1.66
1.48
Retail trade
1.25
services
1.07
(2011).
 The Town of Yarmouth pulls workers from the wider area
Only 30 percent the people who work in the town actually live in the town. The rest commute in from other
communities swelling the total employment base in the town to more than its total population (Fig.14). Workers
commute in from the Yarmouth and Argyle municipal districts as well as Clare and Barrington.
 The town features a significant fishing-related workforce
Over 10 percent of the town’s workforce is involved in the
fishing sector. There are 40+ registered business
establishments operating in fishing, fish processing and fish
wholesale operations.
 The Town of Yarmouth is a health care hub for
southwestern Nova Scotia
The town’s local workforce has 50 percent more people
employed in the health care sector compared to the national
labour market. Nearly 500 people, or 16 percent of the
workforce, are employed in this sector. There are also more
people working in the accommodation and food services
sector compared to the national labour market.
Figure 14: Sources of Workers in the Town of Yarmouth
Argyle,
MD
20%
Clare,
MD
6%
Other
2%
Yarmouth
, MD
42%
Yarmouth
,T
30%
Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey.
 The Town of Yarmouth is a services centre for southwestern Nova Scotia
There are over 130 retail trade establishments operating in the Town of Yarmouth. The local retail trade labour
force includes more than 400 workers*.
*NOTE: The National Household Survey reports labour market data based on where people live and not where
they work. The Town of Yarmouth data is for the population that lives in the town (except where noted).
18
 The high quality of life and low cost of living in the Town of Yarmouth is attractive to newcomers
A low cost of living and excellent recreation and tourism-related amenities are key assets for the community. The
average household spends $746 per month on shelter costs compared to $1,141 across the country. The average
value of a house in 2011 was $150,000 in the town compared to $345,000 across the country making home
ownership more accessible for families.
Craig Ward, owner of the Wooden Buoy Antiques and Collectibles moved to Yarmouth three years ago with his
family. Ward says, “The potential for future growth and industry is unlimited here. People just need to see it—
and take advantage of it. Of course, finding affordable housing was easy, and there’s no better place than
Yarmouth to raise a family when you consider safety, the environment, and what is available here.”
Community Profile: Barrington Municipal District
The Barrington Municipal District, in Shelburne County,
has a population of approximately 7,000 people and a
labour market of over 3,700 workers with a significant
concentration of employment in fishing, manufacturing
and other services. There are over 590 registered
business establishments in the community. The
Barrington Municipal District Location Quotient is
weighted towards fishing, agriculture, retail trade, other
services and manufacturing (Fig.15).
Figure 15: Barrington Municipal District Location Quotient*
fishing and hunting
12.83
Retail trade
1.33
1.30
Manufacturing
1.25
 The Barrington Municipal District’s fishing and
seafood processing workforce is an economic
anchor for the community
The Barrington Municipal District has the highest
concentration of fishing-related employment of any
community in the region. Over 30 percent of total
employment is directly in the fishing sector (approximately 1,200 workers) with another 200 or so employed in
related sectors such as fish processing and distribution. There are over 300 registered business establishments
operating in fishing, fish processing and fish wholesale operations (or nearly half of the total businesses in the
community).
 The Barrington Municipal District has a significant retail trade workforce
There are approximately 560 people employed in retail trade sector jobs in the Barrington Municipal District (or 15
percent of the workforce). There are 40+ registered business establishments operating in the community’s retail
trade sector (please note that much of the workforce is employed in the Town of Shelburne).
19
 The Barrington Municipal District workforce is known for entrepreneurialism
The Barrington Municipal District workforce features a high
Figure 16: Self-employment rate (%)
percentage of self-employment. Fifteen percent are selfemployed compared to only eight percent across the
Barrington (municipal
province and 11 percent across Canada (Fig.16).
district)
Darren Hudson heads up AXEperience—where visitors
can try and their hands (and feet) at things like axe
throwing and log rolling. “We can draw an audience
from just about anywhere and give them a world-class
experience right here. For small companies like mine,
it’s all about partnering with others in the region—and
anyone can do this here! When we get mobile, we
produce a better economy.”
Nova Scotia
15%
8%
Canada
11%
 The Barrington Municipal District features an available and educated workforce
The unemployment rate in the community is 15 percent (at the time of the 2011 National Household Survey) –
well above the provincial and national unemployment rates. Forty percent of the adult population aged 25-64 that
are unemployed and living in the Barrington Municipal District have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or
degree.
 The high quality of life and low cost of living in the Barrington Municipal District is attractive to newcomers
Less than 11 percent of households in the Barrington Municipal District spend 30 percent or more of their
household income on shelter costs compared to 18.5 percent of all Canadians. The median housing cost in the
community is 62 percent lower than the rest of Canada. The low cost of living and excellent recreation and
tourism-related amenities are key assets when attracting workers to the region.
Community Profile: Town of Clark’s Harbour
Clark’s Harbour is a small fishing community located in Shelburne County with a population of 820 and a resident
labour market of approximately 350 workers with a concentration on fishing. There are over 200 registered
business establishments in the community.
 The Clark’s Harbour fishing industry – a primary economic driver
The ocean has been a primary driver of economic activity in the community for generations. Between 150-200 of
the 350 people in the local labour market are involved in fishing and fish processing. There are over 130 registered
business establishments operating in fishing and fish processing including six involved in boat building and repair
and four related to port and harbour operations (Fig.17).
20
Figure 17: Fishing-related business establishments in Clark’s Harbour
Salt Water Fishing
120
16
Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging
Fish and Seafood Product Wholesaler-Distributors
11
Boat Building and repair
6
Port and Harbour Operations
4
Aquaculture
3
Marinas
2
Inland Fishing
1
Source: Statistics Canada’s Canadian Business Patterns (2012).
 Clark’s Harbour features an available workforce
At the time of the 2011 National Household Survey, the unemployment rate in the town was a high 27 percent. In
addition, the employment rate among the adult population was only 34 percent indicating considerable availability
in the local workforce.
A small community with a big heart, Mayor Lee Stoddard, says that Clark’s Harbour is a safe place to live
and the perfect place to set up a business that relies on clean ocean water for processing. He adds, “We
also have a lot of kelp here and the potential for doing something related to this is huge, along with the
potential to do something related to tourism, as this coast is so beautiful.”
 The high quality of life and low cost of living in Clark’s Harbour is attractive to newcomers
Average monthly shelter costs – the amount paid for housing and related expenses – are 46 percent lower for the
average family in Clark’s Harbour compared to Canada as a whole. The average value of a house in 2011 was
$104,000 in the town compared to $345,000 across the country. The low cost of living and excellent recreation
and tourism-related amenities are key assets when attracting workers to the region.
Fish Boats
21
Health Services and Post-Secondary Education
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
Post-Secondary Education
22
Nova Scotia offers distinct workforce training advantages
 Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington employers have access to Nova Scotia’s world-class post-secondary education
system
There are 57,000 persons enrolled in public
Figure 18: University enrolment per 1,000 population (2013)
colleges or universities across Nova Scotia giving
the province and its employers a deep talent
Nova Scotia
48.3
pipeline. Adjusted for population size, there are
more people enrolled in universities across Nova
Ontario
38.2
Scotia than all other provinces across Canada by a
Québec
36.9
wide margin (Fig.18). These universities offer a full
range of undergraduate and graduate degrees with
Newfoundland & Labrador
35.1
higher than average graduates in business and
Manitoba
34.5
management; physical and life sciences;
architecture and engineering.
British Columbia
34.1
The province’s universities and colleges have built
strong research partnerships with the private
sector and as a result Nova Scotia’s higher
education sector has the second highest
concentration of research and development (R&D)
spending per capita among the 10 provinces across
Canada.
Alberta
33.0
Saskatchewan
32.1
Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick
30.2
27.9
2013 full and part time enrolments.
Source: Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
 Education and training in Digby-YarmouthBarrington
The education sector in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is anchored by Université-Saint Anne and the Nova Scotia
Community College (NSCC) campus in Yarmouth with facilities also in Digby. A number of private training schools
round out the training field with niche programs geared directly to industry. The NSCC campus in Shelburne is also
an important part of the education infrastructure in the region.
Université Sainte-Anne - Université Sainte-Anne campus in the Clare Municipal District is an important economic
engine for the Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington economy. The university offers a range of degree programs including:
business administration, health, education, arts and sciences. In addition, to support adult learning the university
offers a program in welding and other community college professional and technical programs. Université SainteAnne was recently named the greenest school in Canada for its use of biomass energy, wind energy and solar
panels. The university is looking at ways to leverage the green campus both to attract more students and to
develop research opportunities. Université Sainte-Anne offers an outstanding teacher-student ratio of about one
to 10. It also offers a year-long French Immersion program as well as a five week Spring and Summer Immersion
program attracting students from all provinces as well as internationally.
Université Sainte-Anne is Canada’s greenest university. It features two biomass furnaces, a huge
solar installation, and two wind turbines. Kenneth Deveau, Academic VP, adds that it’s also
heavily involved in R&D, providing expertise to various companies. “Our mission is to help our
communities develop not only culturally, but also economically. We are aiming to become a
leader that is a principle generator of new business in Southwest Nova Scotia.”
23
The Dalhousie University School of Nursing offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at its
campus in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Non-nursing elective classes in Yarmouth are offered by partner universities,
Acadia and Université Sainte-Anne.
The Nova Scotia Community College – Located in Yarmouth, the Burridge Campus welcomes some 450 full time
students from across the province each year. The campus offers a range of diploma programs including automotive
service and repair; carpentry and welding; business administration; information technology and office
administration. In addition, the campus is expanding its portfolio of health care-related programs to support the
growing health care labour market in the region. The Burridge Campus offers programs in continuing care,
practical nursing and social services. The NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus also has facilities in the Town of Digby
offering supervised online core programming as well as customized courses both on and off site depending on
community need. The school’s computer lab, classroom and Boardroom come complete with video conferencing
capabilities. The NSCC Shelburne Campus is home to 200 full-time students and features programs ranging from
business administration to the electrical, plumbing and steam and pipe program. In 2015, the campus is rolling out
its new Oceans Technology – Fisheries and Aquaculture program.
NSCC is a key community partner. Through a variety of specialized training and educational programs,
the college supports industry and employer partners. Mary Thompson, NSCC Principal, says, “Our
faculty also connect our students to employers through work-placement opportunities. These
placements often turn to careers providing the employer with a skilled new hire.”
 The NSCC offers firms in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington customized training solutions
The NSCC will customize training based on the specific needs of an industry or individual company. Depending on
the needs, the college will adapt existing courses or develop new ones.
 Nova Scotia has made education and training a priority
One of Nova Scotia’s greatest competitive advantages is the quality and depth of
its education and training infrastructure. There are over 36,000 people
employed in education and training industries across Nova Scotia – adjusted for
population size that is more employment than all but one other province.
This high quality training infrastructure provides companies in Digby-YarmouthBarrington with an ongoing pool of skilled labour as well as specialized training
services to ensure that employees have the skills they need to provide companies
in the region with a distinct competitive advantage.
Nearly seven percent of Nova
Scotia’s gross domestic
product (GDP) is generated by
the educational services
sector – a higher percentage
than all but one other
province.
Nova Scotia provides workforce development support
In addition to the excellent education and training infrastructure, Nova Scotia offers a wide range of support
programs to ensure employers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington are able to meet their training needs.
 The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive helps firms adapt to new technologies
24
The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive supports businesses as they invest in employee and
management skills development, and improve productivity. It is also designed to help companies adapt to the
introduction of new technology and innovative processes, and enhance international competitiveness. Companies
are provided with funding support to cover training costs, certification processes and management skills
development.
 The Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate Program is an important tool to help firms recruit and train new employees
The payroll rebate incentive, through Nova Scotia Business Inc., is tailored for companies that are profitable, with a
strong management team and a proven track record for success. The incentive is calculated on a company’s
eligible gross payroll generated by new jobs created over the length of the program (usually two to five years),
including all taxable benefits such as employer-paid portions of medical and bonuses. The company receives a
rebate payment after it has created the jobs in Nova Scotia and those job numbers have been confirmed annually.
For every dollar a company spends on the new jobs, it receives between five and ten cents back.
 The One Journey Work and Learn program provides a tool for workforce integration
This program specifically targets those who are unemployed or underemployed and provides them with the skills
they need for available jobs in Nova Scotia. The program has successfully completed over 60 projects in the
following sectors: hospitality, flooring installation, automotive, continuing care, customer service, contact and
support center, special needs assistant and trucking.
 The Strategic Cooperative Education Incentive facilitates
cooperative training opportunities
The Strategic Cooperative Education Incentive (SCEI) provides 50 per
cent of the required minimum hourly wage of $15.00 an hour for cooperative education opportunities. This program assists businesses
across the province to recruit and retain students for work placements.
Nova Scotia’s workforce training
support programs are designed to
ensure workers have the skills they
need to compete and employers can
easily access the workers they need.
 The Graduate to Opportunities program limits the costs and risk associated with hiring new graduates that
have limited experience
The Graduate to Opportunities program helps new graduates start their careers in Nova Scotia by defraying the
cost employers incur in the first year of hiring.
 The START Program provides support for firms taking on new employees and apprentices
The START program encourages employers to hire Nova Scotians requiring work experience or apprenticeship
support. Financial incentives are provided to employers with a labour need willing to support ready-to-work Nova
Scotians.
 The National Research Council (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) supports the hiring of
graduates in technology related opportunities
This program provides financial assistance to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to hire
post-secondary science, engineering, technology, business and liberal arts graduates. The program covers a
portion of the salary costs of a post-secondary graduate. The small and medium-sized enterprise is responsible for
other expenses such as fringe benefits and overhead costs.
25
Recruiting workers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington
 Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington: A comprehensive approach to recruitment support
It can be challenging to recruit staff particularly for firms that are new to a community. The Nova Scotia
government and its partners on the ground in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington offer a full suite of services to help
employers find the staff they need.
An Industry Response Team has been established to support businesses by:
• Helping match employers to recruitment resources in the region.
• Providing firms with access to immigration attraction resources to target skillsets that may not be present in
the region.
• Assisting firms to access customized training for staff through the Province’s Community College system.
• Helping firms access appropriate workforce programs to ensure staff have the right skills to do the job.
 The relatively high unemployment rate has created a pool of potential workers for employers looking to
expand within Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington has a relatively high
Figure 19: Percentage of unemployed persons with a
unemployment rate compared to the rest of Canada. From
post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree (2011)
the National Household Survey taken in 2011, the
unemployment rate was 15 percent in Digby County and 11
Argyle (municipal
68%
percent in Yarmouth County. The employment rate, the
district)
percentage of the adult population with employment, is
Nova Scotia
55%
considerably lower than both the provincial and national
labour market indicating a potential workforce. Nearly half
of the unemployed labour pool in Digby-YarmouthBarrington has some type of post-secondary education
(Fig.19).
One important indicator of the available workforce in DigbyYarmouth is the pool of persons that collect Employment
Insurance (EI). These workers were either let go from a job
or did not have enough work over the course of the year to
be employed full time. Many of them would be candidates
for full time and full year work should the opportunity arise.
Clare (municipal district)
53%
Yarmouth (county)
47%
Digby (county)
45%
Barrington (municipal
district)
40%
Source: Statistics Canada 2011 National Household Survey.
In total, there were 7,500 persons collecting EI at some point during 2013 across Digby and Yarmouth counties.
There were over 1,700 persons in management, administrative, financial or sales-related occupations who
collected Employment Insurance in 2013. Across the two counties, there were also more than 1,200 industrial,
electrical and construction trades persons and material handlers, trades helpers and those working other related
roles who collected EI in 2013. There were a number of people employed in secondary manufacturing jobs that
were unemployed at some point during 2013. In total there were over 1,300 persons working as machine
operators, assemblers and labourers in manufacturing that collected EI during 2013.
26
 Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington employers could attract back its recent migrant workforce for good jobs
In recent years, a sizeable portion of the Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington skilled blue-collar workers has either left the
region for work or continue to migrate on a long term basis for employment elsewhere in Canada. Alberta,
Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan have attracted a portion of the region’s skilled workers. For the
last decade, the migration level out of Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington has been negative. In 2012 and 2013, the two
counties combined featured a net loss of an average of 350 workers per year. This translates into several
thousand workers who have left the region over the past decade and could be potential candidates to return if a
job opportunity with good wages and year round employment was available to them in the Digby-YarmouthBarrington region.
Figure 20: International university students per 10,000 in
the population (2012)
 Employers can attract talent to Digby-YarmouthNova Scotia
53
Barrington
British
Columbia
44
In addition to accessing the local workforce, employers can
New Brunswick
43
attract workers into the region offering the high quality of life
Quebec
33
and competitive cost of living. There is solid evidence people
Prince Edward Island
31
will move into Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington area if there are
Saskatchewan
27
good employment opportunities. Nearly one out of every
Newfoundland and Labrador
26
three persons between the ages of 25-29 living in Yarmouth
Ontario
26
County in 2011 lived elsewhere in 2006. One in five of those
Manitoba
24
aged 30-34 in Digby County (2011) lived elsewhere in 2006.
Alberta
24
This indicates inward mobility among the young population.
Despite economic challenges in the region, it is clear that
Source: Statistics Canada CANSIM Table 477-0019.
skilled workers will move to Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington for
good job opportunities.
Rob Mercier, Co-Owner/Manager of Mouse Voyages Travels has clients from Canada, Europe, the U.S
and South America. He could have chosen to set up his corporate headquarters anywhere in the
world. Why Yarmouth? “This area offers a high quality of life, steeped with a rich culture. It’s also
surrounded in natural beauty. There’s nowhere like it,” Mercier says.
 Nova Scotia has the largest pool of international students relative to its population size than any province
in Canada. This is a resource that can be accessed by employers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington
Employers can also access the large international student population in Nova Scotia’s universities. There are over
5,000 international students studying at the province’s universities. Adjusted for population size, there are 20
percent more international students in universities across Nova Scotia than in British Columbia and more than
double that of Ontario (Fig.20). Many of those in this pool of talent many are looking to build their careers in
Canada and could be attracted to the region for good job opportunities
27
 Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington has high employee tenure levels
Workers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington are known for their
Figure 21: Average employee tenure (months) - 2013
strong work ethic and commitment. The same can be said
for the workforce across Nova Scotia. One indicator of this
Nova Scotia
119.0
characteristic is average employee tenure with the same
Manitoba
116.7
company (Fig.21). In 2013, the average full time employee
New Brunswick
115.9
in Nova Scotia had been with their employer for 119 months
–above the national level of 110.3 months. In the United
States, the average tenure of a full time employee is less
than 60 months. A stable workforce can significantly reduce
recruitment and training costs.
Quebec
115.1
Ontario
113.8
Canada
110.3
British Columbia
Alberta
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and its
highly competitive labour costs
104.9
90.1
For full time workers aged 15 and older.
Source: Statistics Canada CANSIM Table 282-0038.
Partially as a result of the lower cost of living, wage costs are highly competitive in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and
across Nova Scotia and this translates into more profit for successful industries. The 2014 KPMG Competitive
Alternatives Report looked at business costs in over 200 global locations and found Nova Scotia to be one of the
most cost competitive jurisdictions in North America and Europe.
 KPMG finds that manufacturing firms in Nova Scotia
can generate more profits compared to the
competition
Overall operating costs and taxes in Nova Scotia are highly
competitive for most industries. KMPG looked at the
average total costs for sample manufacturing operations in
12 sub-sectors and determined the potential profit levels for
each of them. On average, the manufacturing operations in
Nova Scotia generated $3.4 million in annual profit after tax
(Fig.22) compared to less than $2 million per year in Boston
and only $1.2 million in San Francisco, California.
Figure 22: Net profit after tax ($US Millions)
Average of 12 manufacturing operations
Nova Scotia*
$3.4
Vancouver, BC
$3.0
Pittsburgh, PA
$2.8
Chicago, IL
$2.5
Boston, MA
 Payroll-related benefit costs can be 40 percent less in
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington than U.S. locations
Nova Scotia employers pay 40 percent less in benefit costs
compared to U.S. jurisdictions because of the high cost of
health care and other payroll-related taxes in the United
States.
San Francisco, CA
$1.9
$1.2
*Average of three NS communities: Halifax, Truro and Sydney.
Based on the average modeled costs of 12 manufacturing
operations. Includes all taxes. Source: KMPG Competitive
Alternatives 2014.
 A low cost of living translates into competitive wage rates
On average, residents in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington pay between 34 percent and 50 percent less for housingrelated costs than the national average. This results in paycheques going further and allows for more competitive
wage costs. Average employment income in the region is 23 and 35 percent lower than the national average
(Fig.23).
28
 Lower effective business taxes provide an ongoing
benefit to employers
Nova Scotia corporate taxes are very competitive with
other jurisdictions in Canada, the United States and
Europe. In KPMG’s 2012 Competitive Alternatives
report, the firm reviewed the total tax environment
facing corporations around the world. Each city was
assigned a Total Tax Index (TTI) based on the three
main corporate tax areas: corporate income tax; other
corporate taxes (property, sales, etc.) and statutory
labour costs (i.e. payroll taxes). Halifax, the only Nova
Scotia city in the study, was ranked 8th out of the 113
global cities for its total tax environment. Firms in
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington take advantage of this
competitive tax environment.
Figure 23: Average employment income comparison (2011)
Canada
Nova Scotia
$58,129
$49,582
Yarmouth Municipal District
$44,893
Town of Yarmouth
$43,652
Yarmouth County
$43,203
Clare Municipal District
$40,899
Town of Digby
$37,788
Tri-Star Industries Limited has 40 years’ experience manufacturing ambulances and other specialty vehicles. Our
employees take pride in their work, and many have been with the company since inception in 1973! As an
outside business or start-up looking to set up shop here, there are many obvious benefits including the lower
cost of commercial real estate, reasonable wage rates, and a strong pool of skilled labourers.
Mitch Bonnar
V.P. Operations, Tri-Star Industries
Limited
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington offers an unmatched quality of life
 In the battle for talent, companies need to locate in areas that are attractive to employees as places to live
and raise their families. Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is such a place.
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is one of the most attractive areas to live in eastern Canada. It offers residents a wide
range of tourism and recreational opportunities, safe and friendly communities and a relatively low cost of living as
compared to urban centres across Canada. In addition, because of the large French-speaking population, people
can live and work in French with schooling available from pre-school to university.
Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is well connected. The Yarmouth to Portland, Maine ferry connects residents to New
England and the Digby-Saint John ferry provides easy access to New Brunswick. Residents are also a 2-3 hour drive
by car from the largest urban centre in Atlantic Canada, Halifax.
29
 Housing costs are approximately 40 percent lower in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington than the national average
One of the biggest advantages is the relatively low cost of housing and related expenditures such as property
taxes. The average household in Yarmouth County spends 38 percent less per year on shelter than the Canadian
average (Fig.24). In Digby County, the average household spends 47 percent less.
CBC Radio, Information Morning, reports that
the average price for a home in
Canada is $420,000.Not so here in Southwest
Nova Scotia. Sheila Deveau, Realtor ®,
Tradewinds Realty, says that her clients are
amazed at the prices for fine homes—often
under $135,000—including sea view or lake
frontage. “And it’s also possible to buy
storefronts in main areas for under $150,000.
It’s a buyer’s market.”
In 2011, the average value of homes in DigbyYarmouth-Barrington ranged from a low of $103,00
in Clark’s Harbour to a high of $167,000 in the
Yarmouth Municipal District compared to over
$345,000 across Canada1. Renters have the same
advantage. The average monthly shelter cost for
those who rent in Digby County is 35 percent lower
than the average across Canada.
Figure 24: Average monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
(2011)*
Canada
$1,141
Nova Scotia
$876
Town of Yarmouth
$839
Yarmouth Municipal District
$772
Town of Digby
$770
Yarmouth County
$710
Digby Municipal District
$613
Town of Clark's Harbour
$610
Digby County
$600
Argyle Municipal District
$578
Clare Municipal District
$560
Barrington Municipal District
$530
*including mortgage and related payments.
 The Towns of Digby and Yarmouth offer urban amenities
Residents of Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington benefit from a unrivalled rural lifestyle but they also are in close proximity
to good health care and education facilities as well as other services. From watching a movie to eating at five-star
restaurants, residents of the region are only a short commute from a range of entertainment and personal
services.
Dr. Shelagh Leahey, Site Director for the Dalhousie Family Medicine teaching site in Southwest Nova
Scotia, says: “We are doing something innovative here. We are attracting specialists and training family
doctors where they actually work. They love it here as they are drawn to our ocean side lifestyle, and
the lively medical community that exists here.”
1
30
Home Business to Large Industries
Renewable Energy
31
Conclusion: The Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington workforce will be key to
regional economic transformation
The economy in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is in transition. Its workforce has strengths in traditional natural
resource industries such as agriculture, fishing and mink production and that will be critical to develop the next
generation of economic activity based on those
resources.
Fundy Tidal Inc. was created to develop and
implement sustainable energy solutions for marine
In addition, the region is pursuing a new generation of
communities and to serve as a vehicle for
economic growth opportunities. The area has a focus
community-led tidal energy projects. It currently is
on renewable energy such as biomass, tidal and wind.
focused on the development of five tidal power
Local stakeholders are pursuing novel uses for wood
projects through the small-scale tidal community
fibre and other ways to develop an innovative and high
feed-in tariff (COMFIT) program. Vincent Stuart,
value forest products industry for the future. Farmers
President of the company, says, “Our job is to enable
are diversifying into new crops such as field berries.
the supply chain here to develop the skill sets and
Value added manufacturing in areas such as boat
infrastructure to accommodate this new industry.”
building holds potential.
Expanding access to broadband telecommunications opens up additional knowledge-based sectors for
development in the region as well as more home-based employment opportunities – particularly taking advantage
of the region’s bilingual workforce.
The workforce in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington is educated and skilled with a higher percentage of educated persons
experiencing unemployment. Local access to high quality education and training is a benefit to local employers.
Employers in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington have access to a broad set of tools for recruitment, training and upskilling their workforce. A well-trained workforce is key to the success of individual firms as well as the long-term
success of the region and its communities and as indicators suggest, there is an available labour pool.
Creating job opportunities and fostering a strong economic foundation will be critical for the area in the years
ahead. A strong economy will generate the tax revenues needed to maintain the high quality public services and
infrastructure valued by residents of Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington. This supports the region’s high quality of life and
reinforces the ability of companies to attract and retain motivated and loyal employees.
Attracting high quality companies to the region and fostering new local entrepreneurs are two of the building
blocks of a stronger economy.
This document highlights the key workforce advantages in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington and makes the case that
employers have access to the tools and support they need to hire and train a talented workforce.
For more information on the benefits of investing in Digby-Yarmouth-Barrington, please contact:
Western Regional Enterprise Network
103 Water Street
Box 12, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
B5A 4P4
902-881-3008
32

the digby-yarmouth-barrington workforce advantage

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