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For additional information relating to this article, please contact:

Thomas StorringDirector – Economics and Statistics
Tel: 902-424-2410Email: thomas.storring@novascotia.ca

January 30, 2019
EMPLOYMENT, EARNINGS AND HOURS, NOVEMBER 2018

Nova Scotians' average weekly earnings (including overtime, seasonally adjusted) increased by $12.33 per week (1.4 per cent) from October 2018 to $889.82 in November.  Average weekly wages were up 2.2 per cent compared with November of last year. Canadians' average weekly wages increased 0.3 per cent month to month ($1,011.79 in November 2018), and were 2.0 per cent higher than they were a year ago. 

Changes in average weekly earnings reflect wage growth, changes in the composition of employment by industry/occupation/experience; and average hours worked per week.

Across the country, monthly average weekly wages increased 0.3 per cent, with increases in six provinces. Compared to November 2017, all provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador saw increases in average weekly earnings. The largest increase in percentage terms was reported in BC, at +3.2 per cent.

Year to date, average weekly earnings are up 2.7 per cent nationally, with all provinces reporting increases. Nova Scotia's average weekly earnings are up 1.1 per cent (YTD) compared to the first eleven months of 2017. 

In the first eleven months of the year, average weekly earnings are up 1.5 per cent in Nova Scotia's goods producing sectors compared to January-November 2017.  Goods sector wage growth was primarily due to growth in the construction sector while manufacturing wages were up less, compared to the same period last year.  Service sector earnings were up 0.9 per cent, year to date. Service sector earnings increased the most in percentage terms in the "other services" category. There have been declines in average weekly earnings in information and cultural services, administrative and support services, accommodation and food services, and education. 

EMPLOYMENT

Nova Scotia had 413,862 payroll employees in November, up 0.1 per cent compared the previous month, and up 1.3 per cent compared to last November. Canada had 16.8 million employees, up 0.1 per cent from last month and up 2.3 per cent compared to a year ago. 

Nova Scotia's payroll employment has been generally trending upwards since 2014. 

Year to date, payroll employment is up 2.2 per cent across Canada. The fastest payroll employment growth has been observed in British Columbia (+3.8 per cent) and Quebec (+2.4 per cent). Nova Scotia's payroll employment is up 1.2 per cent (YTD) compared to the first eleven months of 2017.

REFERENCE TABLES - Year to Date (January-November 2018 vs. January-November 2017)

Source: Statistics Canada, Survey of Employment, Payroll, and Hours. Table 14-10-0223-01, 14-10-0222-01



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