Goal 8

Employment Rate - First Nations and African Nova Scotians

The employment rate for First Nations and African Nova Scotians (ANS) will be equal to the provincial average.

Two multi-ethnic workers in their 30s talking in a metal fabrication plant wearing hardhats and protective eyewear. The man pointing is African-American and his coworker is Hispanic. Two multi-ethnic workers in their 30s talking in a metal fabrication plant wearing hardhats and protective eyewear. The man pointing is African-American and his coworker is Hispanic.

Goal Status

donut shaped icon to signify the status of not progressing Not Progressing Not On Track
Baseline: 14.9%
Current: 11.1%
Target: 0%

Current Situation

As of 2021, the age-adjusted employment rate for First Nations (42.8 per cent) and African Nova Scotians (46.1 per cent) lagged the provincial figure of 51.9 per cent. However, the gap has narrowed since 2011 to 9.1 percentage points for First Nations and 2.0 percentage points for African Nova Scotian communities (2021).

For the Indigenous, First Nations and African Nova Scotian communities, these numbers are age adjusted (ages 15+), based on our own calculations. For more information on why this is necessary and how it was done, see the ‘Deep Dive’ section.

Data from the 2021 Census suggests little progress in closing the gap between provincial and First Nation or African Nova Scotian employment rates. The gap actually increased between 2011 and 2016, and has since narrowed. Some of this may be driven by post-pandemic recovery trends. Employment rates for all groups have declined marginally since 2011.

Year Total Population Aboriginal Identity First Nations African NS
2011 56.80% 49.40% 46.40% 52.20%
2016 55.20% 49.20% 44.30% 50.00%
2021 51.90% 49.20% 42.80% 49.90%

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What This Means

First Nations and African Nova Scotians as general population groups have traditionally been economically disadvantaged in Canada, and have faced systemic difficulties connecting to labour markets. Some of the barriers to successful labour market attachment are believed to include systemic racism and discriminatory hiring practices that are biased against racially visible individuals. 

This is reflected in the deep dive figures, which compare overall provincial employment and participation rates with these racially visible groups. The employment rate measures the success of members of these groups in finding employment. The participation rate measures the proportion of these groups actively seeking employment opportunities. 

Deep Dive

Read more detailed information about this goal by clicking 'Deep Dive'

Employment Rate - First Nations and African Nova Scotians Deep Dive

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