Nova Scotia Employment Trends
The unemployment rate in Nova Scotia was 6.3% as of August 2026, down 0.3% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 7.4% below the peak from June 2020 and is below the long-run average.
There were 2,500 more full-time jobs in August 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a gain of 1,500 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 4,000 total jobs in August.
Full-time employment has recovered since reaching a bottom in April 2026 and now stands at a record high.
* 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 5.5% as of August 2026, down 0.2% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 6.6% below the peak from June 2020 and is below the long-run average.
There were 900 more full-time jobs in August 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a gain of 600 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 1,500 total jobs in August.
Full-time employment has recovered since reaching a bottom in December 2025 and now stands at a record high.
* All figures are seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving averages. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.
