By the Monster Career Coach
When you think of Nova Scotia, do images of vast wind-swept shores along the Atlantic Ocean?
Or maybe your thoughts turn to the thriving city of Greater Halifax, the province’s capital. This modern port town has 188 communities, from charming seaside locales with sun-drenched beaches and miles of rugged shoreline guarded by graceful lighthouses, to the city’s business sections where commerce is conducted.
With a population of about 375,000 in total – the urban area of Halifax alone has about 285,000 – it’s the largest population center in
Atlantic Canada. There are nearly 24,000 businesses located in Halifax, and by far the service sector dominates, accounting for over 87% of the city’s 205,000 jobs. Unemployment stands at around 6.8%, considerably lower than the national average of 8.6%.
Movers and Shakers
A lot has been happening in Halifax, what with government stimulus money and local economic initiatives. Here are some of the highlights:
Focus On Immigrants - Halifax is embracing newcomers with a comprehensive campaign to attract and retain immigrants. It’s part of the Greater Halifax Talent Strategy, an initiative created by the Greater Halifax Partnership, and includes such corporate partners as The Royal Bank and Convergys. The Partnership has also launched the Halifax Connector Program, which puts newcomers directly in touch with business owners and operators, managers, civil servants and community leaders.
Development - Halifax has for the most part resisted the downturn in the provincial economy. There has been strong investment in projects like Dartmouth Crossing, a large scale shopping and restaurant destination; and HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) by Design, the city’s downtown rebuilding plan which is the result of three years of detailed planning work, public meetings, and consultation with thousands of HRM citizens.
Specific Industries - Growth in financial, IT (Information Technology) and aerospace clusters are, according to local reports, “the envy of the nation.” Aerospace and defense are a $1.6 billion industry in Halifax, featuring employers like Pratt & Whitney Canada, General Dynamics Canada Ltd., IMP Aerospace, Lockheed Martin Canada, L-3 Communications Electronic Systems, Sikorsky Canada Inc., and SAAB Microwave.
Slow Spots
The Port of Halifax has been hit by the slowdown in world trade. This has reduced hours for longshoremen and has resulted in less heavy equipment, raw materials and containerized cargo moving through the Port. Much of that loss is linked to a decline in exports by manufacturers in Atlantic Canada.
Signs of Growth
On the bright side, there has been a 24 per cent increase in bulk cargo (commodities) at the Port of Halifax so far this year. It's tied mainly to the movement of crude and refined oil products.
And in special events news, Sir Paul McCartney, the former Beatle, headlined a live summer concert at the Halifax Common. It’s an indication that this city is gaining prominence in the eyes of the global community.
Outlook
As global trade resumes to normal levels, Halifax’s Port should experience significant gains in business. Also EnCana Corp.’s $760-million Deep Panuke offshore natural gas project, 250 kilometers southeast of Nova Scotia on the Scotian Shelf, should help pump up the local economy with jobs in energy and transportation.