Nova Scotia Employment Trends
The unemployment rate in Nova Scotia was 6.8% as of February 2026, up 0.1% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 6.9% below the peak from June 2020 and is below the long-run average.
There were 500 fewer full-time jobs in February 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a gain of 400 part-time positions, this led to a decrease of 100 total jobs in February.
Full-time employment was down 500 jobs from the peak in January 2026.
* All figures are seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving averages. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.
Halifax-Dartmouth Employment Trends
The unemployment rate in Halifax was 6.1% as of February 2026, up 0.3% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 6% below the peak from June 2020 and is below the long-run average.
There were 1,800 more full-time jobs in February 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a loss of 900 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 900 total jobs in February.
Full-time employment was down 2,600 jobs from the peak in July 2025 but stood 3,600 jobs above the trough in December 2025.
* All figures are seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving averages. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.
