Key Summary
- Halifax is located in South Eastern Nova Scotia and is an urban hub for a region with a population of approximately 511,000.
- The region accounts for approximately 57% of dairy processing facilities in Nova Scotia, with an emphasis on cheese and butter production.
- Dairy processing employment in the region is estimated at approximately 459 in 2021, which is about 0.2% of the total employment in the area. Manufacturing overall accounts for approximately 4% of employment.
- By the end of this decade (2030), it is estimated that 225 new hires will be required for the regional dairy processing industry, with 67% of this requirement due to replacement of current workers (e.g., retirements).
- Recruitment and retention challenges within this time period are expected to increase as a result of increased labour market tightness.
key stats
2 Prism Economics and Analysis, 2021
labour market tightness ratings
LMI report series
Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) has developed this regional profile of the Halifax, NS dairy processing as one within a series of 11 regional reports for the Canadian dairy processing industry.
The regional report series is one component of a larger labour market information study of dairy processing within the context of an overall study of the Canadian food and beverage processing sector: https://fpsc-ctac.com/lmi-reports/
objectives
Labour markets are often best understood at a local or regional level where various contributing factors are well understood, sources of labour supply can be characterized, and detailed knowledge of individual facilities exist.
The purpose of this regional report is to provide information on the dairy processing industry in the greater Halifax, NS area so that readers have detailed information and a better understanding of the local dairy processing industry.
The profile outlines the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the region, the regional labour force, the regional dairy processing industry, and an outlook for the specific dairy processing workforce in the Halifax region.
methods
The methods used to develop the regional profiles included an extensive review of Statistics Canada reports and data that contributed to profile the industry, and project growth in production and employment at the regional level.
In addition, the regional profiles benefitted from a review of other primary and secondary data that enabled the research team to estimate potential labour demand for specific regions, and to identify key industry trends.
The “region” of Halifax, NS focuses on a catchment radius of a one-hour commute from dairy processing establishments to estimate the approximate distance of maximum commuting distance for potential labour force.
demographic characteristics
Population Summary
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 511,405 | 986,000 |
| Total Labour Force | 289,574 | 505,900 |
| Total Employment | 266,591 | 464,000 |
Population by Age Group
Population Diversity
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | |
|---|---|---|
| Immigrants Share of Population | 39,450 9% | 55,675 6% |
| Not Canadian Citizens Share of Population | 22,295 5% | 29,930 3% |
| Visible Minority Share of Population | 46,745 10% | 58,650 6% |
| Aboriginal Identity Share of Population | 18,125 4% | 51,495 6% |
The diversity of population according to immigrant status and visible minorities is higher for the Halifax region compared with Nova Scotia overall.
The share of population who were immigrants in 2016 was 9% compared with 6% in Nova Scotia, and self-identified visible minorities made up 10% of the Halifax population compared with 6% of Nova Scotia.
There were similar proportions of the region’s population who were not Canadian citizens (5%) compared to Nova Scotia overall (3%).
Population Mobility (5 years)
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-migrants Share of Population | 106,195 64% | 169,570 60% |
| Migrants Share of Population | 59,225 36% | 114,150 40% |
| Internal migrants Share of Population | 44,090 74% | 94,885 53% |
| Intraprovincial Share of Population | 17,880 41% | 50,330 53% |
| Interprovincial Share of Population | 26,215 59% | 44,555 47% |
| External Migrants Share of Population | 15,135 26% | 19,270 17% |
According to the 2016 Census, there was similar mobility within the population of Halifax region (36%) compared with Nova Scotia overall (40%), meaning that similar proportions of people had moved into the region within the previous 5 years.
The vast majority of mobility was due to internal migration (74%). External migrants from outside of Canada were higher in Halifax (26%) compared with Nova Scotia (17%).
Indigenous Communities
| First Nation | Reserve(s) | Location | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glooscap First Nation | Glooscap 35 | 68 km NW Halifax | 80 |
| Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke | Indian Brook 14 | 29 km SW Truro | 1,307 |
| New Ross 20 | 64 km NW Halifax | ||
| Pennal 19 | 67 km NW Halifax | ||
| Shubenacadie 13 | 32 km N Halifax | ||
| Wallace Hills No. 14a | … | ||
| Total | 1,387 | ||
In the surrounding areas, there are two First Nations with six communities with a total population of approximately 1,387 community members.
Overall, approximately 4% of the region’s population self-identify as Aboriginal according to the 2016 Census, which is slightly lower than the overall rate of 6% for the province.
socio-economic characteristics
Educational Attainment
The Halifax regional population has slightly higher rates of post-secondary participation compared with Nova Scotia overall.
Over one-half (59%) report having some form of post-secondary diploma, certificate or degree compared with 55% of Nova Scotia overall.
Average Employment Income
Average employment income among Halifax regional residents was approximately 9% higher in 2015 compared with Nova Scotia overall according to Census 2016.
The average employment income for Halifax regional residents was approximately $43,400 compared with $39,500 for Nova Scotia overall.
The average government transfers were approximately 18% lower for Halifax region residents at $7,200 compared with $8,500 for Nova Scotia overall in 2015.
Approximately two-thirds of Halifax region population (63%) are home owners, with a higher proportion (76%) reporting spending less than 30% of their income on shelter costs in 2016.
The average monthly housing costs for renters was lower at approximately $987 compared to home owners at approximately $1,023.
Housing Costs
Housing Composition
regional labour force
The size of the regional labour force in 2021 was just over 289,000 which was approximately 57% of Nova Scotia’s overall labour force.
The participation rate in the region is somewhat higher (66.5%) compared to Nova Scotia (59.7%). Among those in the labour force, the unemployment rates were lower (7.9% vs. 8.3% in Nova Scotia overall).
Labour Force Characteristics
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | |
|---|---|---|
| In labour force | 289,574 | 505,900 |
| Employed | 266,591 | 464,000 |
| Unemployed | 22,983 | 41,900 |
| Participation Rate | 66.5% | 59.7% |
| Employment Rate | 61.3% | 54.7% |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.9% | 8.3% |
Labour force projections indicate an approximate 18% overall growth in the next decade, rising from approximately 290,000 in 2021 to 343,000 by 2030.
The anticipated age composition will see a slight decline in older workers (55 years and older), with the largest increases occurring in the core group of workers aged 25 to 54 years old.
Labour Force Characteristics
Labour Force by Industry
| Industry | Regional Labour Force | % of Labour Force |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 39,201 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 33,500 | 12% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 28,292 | 10% |
| Educational services | 23,566 | 8% |
| Construction | 22,098 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 18,391 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 12,130 | 4% |
The largest proportions of the Halifax regional labour force are working in health care and social assistance (14%), with similar proportions working in retail (12%) and professional scientific and technical services (10%). The manufacturing industry, the sector within which the dairy processing sector would be categorized, makes up 4% of the labour force.
Job Characteristics by Industry (Nova Scotia overall)
| Nova Scotia | Job Vacancy Rate | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| All Industries | 3.4% | $20.08 |
| Food manufacturing | 5.5% | $15.55 |
| Accommodation and food services | 5.8% | $14.03 |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 3.4% | $15.68 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 4.3% | $31.07 |
| Health care and social assistance | 4.0% | $23.78 |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 7.1% | $15.60 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 4.6% | $18.37 |
Although not available at the regional level, an examination of the Nova Scotia vacancy rate and average hourly wage data by industry gives some indication for the region as to the potential opportunities and challenges in recruiting and retaining sufficient labour for the dairy processing industry. The job vacancy rate for food manufacturing is higher at 5.5% when compared to all industries at 3.4%. The average hourly wage ($15.55) is notably lower than that for all industries ($20.08), but higher than the minimum wage in Nova Scotia of $12.95 (as of January 1st, 2022).
dairy processing sector regional profile
Within the greater Halifax region, there are four dairy processing establishments with an equal emphasis on fluid milk and ice cream/frozen dessert production. The region accounts for approximately 57% of the dairy processing facilities in Nova Scotia. Regional employment in the dairy processing sector is estimated in 2021 at 459, with the largest proportions of the workforce in management, finance, sales and administration occupations (215; 47%), and skilled or semi-skilled occupations (105; 23%).
Dairy Processing Establishments (2021)
Dairy Processing Employment (2021)
| Occupation Group | # Employed |
|---|---|
| Management, Finance, Sales, Admin | 215 |
| Entry-level Labourers | 30 |
| Other | 14 |
| Product Development and QC | 19 |
| Skilled/Semi-Skilled | 105 |
| Trades | 76 |
| Total | 459 |
dairy processing workforce outlook
Dairy processing employment in the Halifax region is expected to grow by approximately 15.9% over the upcoming decade rising from 459 in 2021 to 532 by 2030—a change of approximately 73. However, the overall hiring requirements will be substantially larger due to the need to replace workers as they retire or leave the industry for various reasons.
The actual hiring requirement is expected to be in the range of 225 workers. Anticipated growth will account for 74 new hires (33%) while the remaining 151 new hires (67%) will be needed due to replacement requirements. The largest hiring requirements will occur in the second half of the decade (2026–2030).
From the demographic analysis, the number of youth new entrants into the industry likely available to fill these new hire positions are under 10 per year or approximately 20% of the full requirement. This suggests that hiring requirements will need to consider other labour supply sources in order to meet the demand, largely attributable to labour replacement requirements (retirements).
Total Dairy Processing Workforce Outlook
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Force | 467 | 470 | 495 | 509 | 515 | 521 | 530 | 539 | 549 | 560 |
| Employment | 459 | 459 | 475 | 485 | 491 | 498 | 506 | 515 | 523 | 532 |
| Net Hiring Requirement | 7 | 11 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 30 |
| Employment Growth | 0 | -1 | 16 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Replacement | 7 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| Youth New Entrants | 24 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Dairy Processing Employment Outlook
| Occupation Group | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management, Finance, Sales, and Administration | 215 | 240 | 248 | 253 | 257 | 260 | 265 | 269 | 274 | 279 |
| Entry-level Labourers | 30 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 36 | 36 |
| Other | 14 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 |
| Product Development and Quality Control | 19 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Skilled/Semi-Skilled | 105 | 75 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 86 | 87 |
| Trades | 76 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 83 | 84 | 85 |
| Total | 459 | 459 | 475 | 485 | 491 | 498 | 506 | 515 | 523 | 532 |
Dairy Processing Hiring Requirement Outlook
| Occupation Group | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management, Finance, Sales, and Administration | 4 | 31 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Entry-level Labourers | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Other | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Product Development and Quality Control | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Skilled/Semi-Skilled | 0 | -29 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Trades | 1 | -1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 7 | 11 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 30 |
The types of workers that will be needed for the Halifax region dairy processing industry vary slightly year to year according to estimates, yet across the decade, the largest proportion of new hires will be within the entry-level labourer occupations with a total of 131 new workers needed accounting for approximately 51% of the total hiring requirements between 2021 and 2030. Similar numbers of trades (33; 14%) and product development and quality control (30; 13%) workers will be needed. This is of particular concern given the more extensive training requirements for these combined with the increasing competition for these occupations from other industries.
labour market tightness
Labour market tightness is a measure of the share of the annual supply change that occurs after accounting for available new entrants. Recruitment challenges increase as the proportion of workers need to be recruited from other industries, occupations and geographic regions rises. Recruitment challenges are exacerbated when tightness in other industries exceeds that of the dairy sector.
Reading the Rankings
Labour markets have tightened significantly in recent years and what were previously periodic recruitment challenges have now become permanent challenges faced by employers in all sectors of the economy. Given this reality, the ranks are intended to be interpreted in relation to recruitment and retention conditions experienced over the previous five years. The analysis of labour market tightness uses a relative ranking system:
For the Halifax region’s dairy processing sector, the labour market tightness rating increased as of 2022, which will likely result in the industry experiencing more challenges in recruitment and retention than previous years.
Labour Market Tightness Ratings 2021-2030: Halifax Region
| 2021 | 1 – Less Tightness |
| 2022 | 2 – Normal Tightness |
| 2023 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2024 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2025 | 2 – Normal Tightness |
| 2026 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2027 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2028 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2029 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
| 2030 | 3 – Greater Tightness |
