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Profile of the New Brunswick Labour Force

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour

September 2018


Page 1 of 26

Contents

Population Trends ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Key Labour Force Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 5

New Brunswick Overview ......................................................................................................................... 5

Sub-Regional Statistics .............................................................................................................................. 6

Industry ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Occupation .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Wages and Employment Income ................................................................................................................ 13

Skills and Education .................................................................................................................................... 14

Women........................................................................................................................................................ 17

Youth ........................................................................................................................................................... 18

Older Workers ............................................................................................................................................. 20

Aboriginal Peoples ...................................................................................................................................... 21

Immigrants .................................................................................................................................................. 23

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ................................................................................................................ 24


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Population Trends

According to Statistics Canada’s annual demographic estimates, as of 2017, New Brunswick had a

population of approximately 759,655; this total represented the highest level in the province’s history

(after two consecutive years of growth). Despite this, New Brunswick is in a vulnerable position due to

its age structure and it will be a challenge to grow the population.

Although Statistics Canada has various population projection scenarios, in general, it is expected that

New Brunswick’s population will remain fairly constant over the next five to ten years, with potential for

slight growth. In the long term however, as the population continues to grow older it is expected that,

barring an influx of youth (young professionals and their families) , the province’s population will

decline. According to the population model used in the preparation of this reporti, New Brunswick’s

population is expected to peak at approximately 767,300 persons in 2026.

Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM Tables 051-0001 and 052-0005

Declining fertility rates, increased life expectancy and

the aging of the baby boom generation (that is, the

children of the post-war era born between 1946 and

1965) have all been major contributing factors to the

dramatic changes that the structure of the New

Brunswick population has seen over the past several

decades. Today, the province is faced with a senior

cohort that is larger than ever, a shrinking typical

working-age population (anyone between the ages of 15

and 64), and an under-fifteen population that has shrunk 40% over the past forty years. While this

situation is not unique to New Brunswick, these issues have been further compounded in the province

by consistently negative net interprovincial migration and international migration levels that historically

28% 24% 22% 20% 19% 17% 16% 15% 15% 14% 14% 13% 13%

63% 65% 67% 68% 68% 69% 70% 68% 65% 62% 59% 57% 56%

9% 10% 11% 12% 13% 13% 15% 17% 20% 24% 27% 30% 31%

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022 2027 2032 2037

Historical Projections

Age Distribution of the New Brunswick Population

0 to 14 years 15 to 64 years 65 years and over

Working-Age Population: Anyone who is 15 years or older.

Typical Working-Age Population: Anyone who is 15 to 64 years old.

Core Working-Age Population: Anyone who is 25 to 54 years old.


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have been relatively low (although it’s worth noting that international migration levels in the province

have increased considerably in recent yearsii).

Today, New Brunswick’s population is one of the oldest of all provinces in Canada. In 2017, the median

age of the New Brunswick population was 45.3 years, well above the Canadian median of 40.6 years

(and second highest among the provinces and territories). This is in stark contrast to forty years ago,

when the median age of the New Brunswick population was only 26.1 years (and 28.1 years nationally).

To understand and describe this population structure, a measure called the Dependency Ratioiii is used.

Dependency ratios are based on the idea that children under the age of 15 are more likely to be

dependents, and “seniors” over 65 are more likely to be retired. Children (through educational

spending) and seniors (through retirement and health related services) tend to require a larger

proportion of tax payer dollars than the 15 to 64 year old group (In 2015, more than 50% of government

healthcare expenditures in the province were spent on those ages 65 and older, despite this group only

accounting for approximately 20% of the population). When the number of children or seniors is

weighed against numbers of persons between 15 and 64, these ratios allow for easier comparison of

changing population structures over time.

The Senior Dependency Ratio is the ratio of the number of seniors (ages 65 or above) to every 100 individuals in the typical working-age population (ages 15 to 64).

The Child Dependency Ratio is the ratio of the number of young people (ages 0 to 14) to every 100 individuals in the typical working-age population (ages 15 to 64).

The Total Dependency Ratio is the ratio of the number of children (ages 0 to 14) and seniors (ages 65 or above) to every 100 individuals in the typical working-age population (ages 15 to 64).

Population Trends (New Brunswick, 1977 to 2017)

New Brunswick Canada

1977 1987 1997 2007 2017 2017

Total Population 695,843 727,768 752,511 745,407 759,655 36.7 M

Median Age (Years) 26.1 31.0 35.9 41.6 45.3 40.6

Total Dependency Ratio 58.1 49.9 46.5 43.8 53.0 49.0

Child Dependency Ratio 43.7 33.0 27.8 22.6 22.3 23.9

Senior Dependency Ratio 14.4 16.9 18.7 21.2 30.7 25.1 Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM Table 051-0001


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At first glance, the New Brunswick dependency ratio doesn’t appear to be changing much. Between

1977 and 2017, the total dependency ratio decreased only slightly. However, the total dependency ratio

masks a major shift in the population where the proportion of children has decreased significantly, and

the proportion of seniors has continued to grow. Over the last forty years, the child dependency ratio

has (approximately) been cut in half, while the senior dependency ratio has more than doubled.

Compared to Canada as a whole, New Brunswick had a smaller child dependency ratio (22.3 compared

to 23.9) and a greater senior dependency ratio (30.7 compared to 25.1) in 2017.

Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM Tables 051-0001 and 052-0005

Today, New Brunswick finds itself at a demographic crossroads. As the large population of baby

boomers continues to enter the senior age (ages 65 and older) cohort, the senior dependency ratio is

expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. This creates significant challenges for

economic growth in the province as the working age labour force shrinks and the demand for healthcare

and social services for seniors intensifies.

0

20

40

60

80

19

77

19

82

19

87

19

92

19

97

20

02

20

07

20

12

20

17

20

22

20

27

20

32

20

37

New Brunswick Dependency Ratios (1977 to 2017 Historical, 2018 to 2037 Projections)

Total Dependency Youth Dependency Senior Dependency


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Key Labour Force Statistics

New Brunswick Overview

Labour Force Statistics (New Brunswick, 2007 and 2017)

Characteristic 2007 2017 Change % Change

Working-Age Population (Ages 15+) 607,800 624,700 +16,900 +2.8%

Labour Force 386,600 383,900 -2,700 -0.7%

Employment 357,600 352,900 -4,700 -1.3%

Full-Time Employment 300,300 301,900 +1,600 +0.5%

Part-Time Employment 57,300 51,000 -6,300 -11.0%

Unemployment 28,900 31,000 +2,100 +7.3%

Not in Labour Force 221,200 240,800 +19,600 +8.9%

Participation Rate 63.6% 61.5% -2.1 p.p.

Employment Rate 58.8% 56.5% -2.3 p.p.

Unemployment Rate 7.5% 8.1% +0.6 p.p. Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0002

• In 2017, there were an estimated 383,900 persons participating in the labour force (i.e.

employed or actively looking for work), representing a decrease of 2,700 (-0.7%) from 2007. This

decrease was primarily the result of the province’s core working-age (ages 25 to 54) population

shrinking significantly (although in terms of overall population, this decrease was more than

offset by an increase to the province’s older population).

• The province’s participation rate fell from 63.6% to 61.5% between 2007 and 2017, and was well

below the national rate of 65.8% in 2017. It’s worth noting that, if the age composition of the

New Brunswick population were to be adjusted (or “standardized”) to match the age

composition of the country as a whole, the province’s participation rate would be 64.3%. This

implies that the province’s aging population is a significant contributing factor to its relatively

low participation rate.

• Approximately 352,900 New Brunswickers were employed in 2017, representing a decrease of

4,700 (-1.3%) from 2007, driven primarily by the province’s shrinking core working-age

population. This decrease was the net result of a decrease of 6,300 in terms of part-time

employment, and an increase of 1,600 in terms of full-time employment. This decrease in part-

time employment was driven in part by the province’s shrinking youth population. New

Brunswick had the highest percentage of employment that was full-time among the provinces in

2017.

• In 2017, there were approximately 31,000 unemployed New Brunswickers, an increase of 2,100

(+7.3%) from 2007. This increase in total unemployment resulted in an increase to the

unemployment rate, from 7.5% in 2007 to 8.1% in 2017. Nationally the unemployment rate was

6.5% in 2017.

• Despite increasing slightly over the past ten years, in more recent years, unemployment in New

Brunswick has been decreasing significantly; since 2013, New Brunswick’s unemployment rate

has decreased by 2.2 p.p. (percentage points), including a 1.5 p.p. drop between 2016 and 2017


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(the largest year-over-year decrease among the provinces).; this decrease was primarily the

result of workers exiting the labour force.

Sub-Regional Statistics

Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) and Census Agglomerations (CAs) are large urban areas (known as urban cores) together with adjacent urban and rural areas that have a high degree of social and economic integration with the urban cores. A census metropolitan area (CMA) has an urban core population of at least 100,000 and a census agglomeration (CA) has an urban core population between 10,000 and 99,999 based on the previous census As of the 2016 Census, the seven CMA/CAs in New Brunswick were: Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst, Campbellton, Miramichi and Edmundstoniv.

Labour Force Statistics by Geography (NB, 2017)

Ages 15+ Ages 25 to 54

Characteristic CMA/CAs Non-

CMA/CA CMA/CAs

Non-CMA/CA

Working-Age Population 394,700 230,000 186,100 94,400

Labour Force 250,200 133,700 162,100 79,200

Employment 233,600 119,400 153,500 71,900

Full-Time Employment 198,500 103,400 140,900 66,800

Part-Time Employment 35,000 16,000 12,600 5,100

Unemployment 16,700 14,300 8,600 7,300

Not in Labour Force 144,500 96,300 24,100 15,200

Participation Rate 63.4% 58.1% 87.1% 83.9%

Employment Rate 59.2% 51.9% 82.5% 76.2%

Unemployment Rate 6.7% 10.7% 5.3% 9.2% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0138

• In 2017, the majority of New Brunswick’s working-age population (63.2%), and labour force

(65.2%) was living in one of the province’s seven CMA/CAs. Since 2012, the province’s CMA/CA

working-age population has increased by 15,600, while the non-CMA/CA working-age

population in the province has decreased by 13,400.


Page 7 of 26

• Those living in one of the province’s seven CMA/CAs had a higher participation rate and a lower

unemployment rate than those living in non-CMA/CA parts of the province. In 2017, the

province’s CMA/CA population had a participation rate of 63.4% and an unemployment rate of

6.7%, while the province’s non-CMA/CA population had a participation rate of 58.1% and an

unemployment rate of 10.7%.

• 47.3% of the province’s non-CMA/CA working-age population was 55 years or older, compared

to 38.9% of the province’s CMA/CA working-age population.

• Almost half (48.7%) of those who were employed in goods-producing sectors were living in non-

CMA/CA parts of the province in 2017, despite the non-CMA/CA population only accounting for

33.8% of overall employment. While this trend was true for most of the goods-producing sectors

(agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas, and manufacturing in particular),

employment in the utilities sector was largely concentrated in the province’s CMA/CAs.

• Rural (non-CMA/CA) parts of the province had lower participation rates and higher

unemployment rates among both the total working-age and core working-age (ages 25 to 54)

populations in 2017.

Labour Force Statistics for the three Largest CAs in Northern New Brunswick (2017)

Characteristic Bathurst

CA Edmundston

CA Miramichi

CA Three CAs Combined

Other Northern

NBv

Working-Age Population 27,700 15,700 23,500 66,900 151,800

Labour Force 16,100 9,200 13,900 39,200 86,700

Employment 14,200 8,600 12,400 35,200 76,300

Unemployment 1,900 600 1,500 4,000 10,300

Not in Labour Force 11,600 6,500 9,600 27,700 65,100

Participation Rate 58.1% 58.6% 59.1% 58.6% 57.1%

Employment Rate 51.3% 54.8% 52.8% 52.6% 50.3%

Unemployment Rate 11.8% 6.5% 10.8% 10.2% 11.9% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Special Run Data and CANSIM Table 282-0123

• Compared to the province as a whole, the three largest CAs in northern New Brunswick

(Bathurst, Edmundston and Miramichi) had a relatively high unemployment rate (10.2%

combined, compared to the provincial average of 8.1%), and a relatively low participation rate

(58.6% compared to the provincial average of 61.5%) in 2017. However, Edmundston stands out

among the cities in northern New Brunswick as having a low unemployment rate that is

comparable to the southern parts of the province.

• In 2017, New Brunswickers living in non-CMA/CA regions of northern New Brunswick had a

relatively high unemployment rate (11.9%) and a relatively low participation rate (57.1%)

compared to not only the province’s CMA/CA population, but also to those living in non-

CMA/CA parts of southern New Brunswick.


Page 8 of 26

Labour Force Statistics for the three Largest CMA/CAs in Southern New Brunswick (2017)

Characteristic Moncton

CMA Saint John

CMA Fredericton

CA

Three CMA/CAs Combined

Other Southern NB

Working-Age Population 127,300 105,500 83,500 316,300 117,500

Labour Force 81,800 69,700 53,300 204,800 69,400

Employment 76,900 65,500 50,300 192,700 63,000

Unemployment 5,000 4,200 3,000 12,200 6,300

Not in Labour Force 45,500 35,800 30,200 111,500 48,100

Participation Rate 64.3% 66.1% 63.8% 64.7% 59.1%

Employment Rate 60.4% 62.1% 60.2% 60.9% 53.6%

Unemployment Rate 6.1% 6.0% 5.6% 6.0% 9.1% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Special Run Data and CANSIM Tables 282-0129 and 282-0123

• Compared to the province as a whole, the province’s three largest urban centres (Moncton,

Saint John and Fredericton) had a relatively low unemployment rate (6.0% combined, compared

to the provincial average of 8.1%), and a relatively high participation rate (64.7% compared to

the provincial average of 63.4%) in 2017.

• Compared to the province as a whole, in 2017, those who were living outside of the province’s

three major urban centres, but still within southern New Brunswick, had a relatively high

unemployment rate (9.1% compared to the provincial average of 8.1%) and a relatively low

participation rate (59.1% compared to the provincial average of 63.4%).

• The labour force characteristics of the province’s three largest urban centres are fairly in line

with national averages. In 2017, Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John had a combined

unemployment rate of 6.0% and a combined participation rate of 64.7%; nationally, CMA/CAs

had an unemployment rate of 6.2% and a participation rate of 66.6%.


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Industry

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. It is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies.

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0008

• In terms of employment, the healthcare and social assistance (57,800) and retail and wholesale

trade (56,300) sectors were by far the largest sectors in New Brunswick in 2017, accounting for

16.4% and 16.0% of total employment respectively; nationally, these sectors accounted for

12.9% and 15.3% of total employment respectively.

• Employment in the following sectors was proportionally much more common in New Brunswick

compared to the country as a whole in 2017:

o Utilities

o Healthcare and Social Assistance

o Public Administration

o Natural Resources

13,400

3,500

24,800

31,700

56,300

17,300

10,800

16,900

15,600

16,300

26,200

57,800

23,800

15,300

23,300

Natural Resources

Utilities

Construction

Manufacturing

Retail and Wholesale Trade

Transportation and Warehousing

Information, Culture and Recreation

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental and Leasing

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Business, Building and other Support Services

Educational Services

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Accommodation and Food Services

Other Services

Public Administration

Employment by Sector (New Brunswick, 2017)


Page 10 of 26

• Employment in the following sectors was proportionally much less common in New Brunswick

compared to the country as a whole in 2017:

o Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

o Information, Culture and Recreation

o Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental and Leasing


• Between 2007 and 2017 in New Brunswick, employment in the services-producing sectors

experienced a modest increase (+1.3%), while employment in the goods-producing sectors

experienced a noticeable decrease (-10.1%). In terms of specific sectors, the greatest

employment growth was seen in the healthcare and social assistance (+20.7%), public

administration (+10.4%) and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+6.3%) sectors,

while the natural resources (-19.8%), utilities (-18.6%) and information, culture and recreation

(-17.6%) sectors saw the greatest relative decreases in employment.

80%

90%

100%

110%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Employment in the Goods-Producing and Service-Producing Sectors, Relative to 2007 (New Brunswick, 2017)

Goods-Producing Sectors Services-Producing Sectors


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Occupation

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the authoritative resource on occupational information in Canada providing a standard taxonomy and framework for dialogue on Labour Market Information. It gathers more than 30,000 job titles into 500 Unit Groups (occupations), organized according to skill levels and skill types.


• Sales and service occupations (92,000) accounted for 26.1% of total employment in the province

in 2017, by far the largest share of the ten broad occupational categories; nationally, sales and

service occupations accounted for 24.3% of employment.

• Employment in the following broad occupational categories was proportionally much more

common in New Brunswick compared to the country as a whole in 2017:

o Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production

o Health

• Employment in the following broad occupational categories was proportionally much less

common in New Brunswick compared to the country as a whole in 2017:

o Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

o Natural and Applied Sciences and Related

o Management

27,300

53,500

19,500

32,000

43,700

5,800

92,000

52,000

10,700

16,600

Management

Business, Finance and Administration

Natural and Applied Sciences and Related

Health

Education, Law And Social, Community and Government

Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Sales and Service

Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators

Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related

Manufacturing and Utilities

Employment by Broad Occupational Categories (New Brunswick, 2017)


Page 12 of 26


• Between 2007 and 2017 in New Brunswick, employment in occupations that typically require a

post-secondary educationvi experienced a modest increase (+5.0%), while employment in

occupations that do not typically require a post-secondary education experienced a noticeable

decrease (-9.2%). In terms of specific broad occupational categories, the greatest employment

growth was seen in occupations in health (+20.7%), education, law and social, community and

government services (+9.8%) and business, finance and administration (+3.3%), while

occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport (-20.5%), management (-14.2%) and

manufacturing and utilities (-9.3%) saw the greatest relative decreases in employment.

80%

90%

100%

110%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Employment for Occupations Typically Requiring a Post-Secondary Education, Relative to 2007 (New Brunswick, 2017)

Occupations Typically Requiring a PSE Other Occupations


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Wages and Employment Income

Wage Statistics for Working-Age and Core Working-Age Employees (2017)

Working-Age Core Working-Age

Statistic New

Brunswick Canada

New Brunswick

Canada

Median Hourly Wage Rate $19.35 $22.62 $21.63 $25.00

Average Hourly Wage Rate $22.39 $26.16 $24.15 $28.39

Percentage Earning Minimum Wage 7.2% 6.5% 3.0% 3.0%


• In 2017, the median hourly wage rate among New Brunswick employees was $19.35. This

represented the second lowest median among the provinces, and was well below the national

median of $22.62. Among core working-age New Brunswickers, the median hourly wage rate

was $21.63 ($25.00 nationally).

• In 2017, 7.2% of working-age New Brunswickers were earning minimum wage, compared to

6.5% nationally. Of the core working-age population, 3.0% were earning minimum wage, both

within the province and at a national level.

• In 2017, New Brunswick minimum wage earners tended to be young, non-unionized, part-time

employees who were working in lower skilled sales and service occupations.

For more information on minimum wage earners, visit the Reports and Surveys section on NBjobs.ca (under the Job Trends tab).

Employment Income Statistics for the Working-Age and Core Working-Age Populations (2015)

Working-Age Core Working-Age

Statistic New

Brunswick Canada

New Brunswick

Canada

Percentage with Employment Income 68.3% 71.3% 88.0% 87.1%

Median Employment Income $29,124 $33,684 $38,276 $43,349

Average Employment Income $37,611 $46,057 $45,342 $54,179 Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census


Page 14 of 26

• In 2015, within New Brunswick 68.3% of the working-age population had employment income in

2015, compared to 71.3% nationally; however, this disparity is in part the result of New

Brunswick’s relatively higher percentage of older residents. Within New Brunswick, 88.0% of

core working-age New Brunswickers had employment income in 2015, compared to 87.1% at a

national level.

• In 2015, median employment income in New Brunswick was $29,124 among the working-age

population and $38,276 among the core-working age population. Nationally, median

employment income was $33,684 among the working-age population and $43,349 among the

core working-age population.

• Of New Brunswickers who had employment income, 37.1% earned less than $20,000 in 2015,

compared to 34.8% at a national level. On the other hand, 4.9% of New Brunswickers who had

employment income earned $100,000 or more in 2015, compared to 8.7% at a national level.

Skills and Education

• In 2016, over half (57.6%) of New Brunswickers between the ages of 25 and 64, had completed

some form of post-secondary education, 28.5% had only their high school diploma or

equivalency certificate, while the remaining 13.9% had no certificate, diploma or degree.

• Of the 230,810 New Brunswickers ages 25 to 64 with a post-secondary education as of 2016,

37,715 had an apprenticeship or trades certificate, 104,595 were college graduates, 7,680 had a

university certificate below a bachelor's degree and 80,820 had a bachelor degree or higher.

• New Brunswick had a lower percentage of its population aged 25 to 64 with a post-secondary

education (57.6%) compared to Canada as a whole (64.8%).

• Among those aged 25 to 64, compared to the general Canadian population, New Brunswickers

were more likely to have a college education, but less likely to have a university education or an

apprenticeship or trades certificate in 2016.


Page 15 of 26

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• Compared to those living in non-CMA/CA parts of the province, New Brunswickers ages 25 to 64

living in one of the province’s three major urban centres were:

o Much more likely to have a bachelor’s degree or higher (27.0% compared to 12.4%)

o More likely to have a college diploma (27.0% compared to 24.6%)

o Less likely to have an apprenticeship or trades certificate (8.0% compared to 10.7%)

Population Distribution by Educational Attainment for Select Regions (Ages 25 to 64, NB, 2016)

Highest Level of Education 3 Major Centres

Other CMA/CAs

Non-CMA/CA

No Certificate, Diploma or Degree 8.9% 15.8% 20.0%

High School Diploma or Equivalency 27.2% 28.5% 30.3%

Post-Secondary 63.9% 55.7% 49.7%

Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate 8.0% 11.3% 10.7%

College 27.0% 26.7% 24.6%

University - Below Bachelor Level 1.9% 1.8% 2.0%

University - Bachelor Level or Above 27.0% 15.9% 12.4% Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• New Brunswickers with no certificate, diploma or degree had a much lower participation rate

and a much higher unemployment rate relative to other New Brunswickers. While the

population of those with no certificate, diploma or degree was significantly older than these

other populations, this large gap persisted across all age groups.

13.9%

28.5%

9.4%

26.1%

1.9%

20.2%

11.5%

23.7%

10.8%

22.4%

3.1%

28.5%

No Certificate, Diploma or Degree

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate

College

University - Below Bachelor Level

University - At or Above Bachelor Level

Distribution of Population by Highest Level of Education (Ages 25 to 64, 2016)

NB Canada


Page 16 of 26

Labour Force Statistics by Highest Level of Education (Ages 25 to 64, 2016)

Characteristic No Certificate,

Diploma or Degree


Post-Secondary

Population (Ages 25 to 64) 55,640 114,330 230,810

Labour force 33,200 86,035 195,270

Employment 25,795 76,370 181,655

Unemployment 7,400 9,660 13,615

Not in Labour Force 22,440 28,300 35,540

Participation Rate 59.7% 75.3% 84.6%

Employment Rate 46.4% 66.8% 78.7%

Unemployment Rate 22.3% 11.2% 7.0% Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• In general, those with a post-secondary education earned considerably more than those

without one.

• In 2015, median employment income among the population aged 25 to 64 with a bachelor’s

degree or higher was higher in New Brunswick than at national level ($56,876 compared to

$54,653 for those with a bachelor’s degree, and $72,009 compared to $65,118 for those with a

university education above a bachelor’s degree).

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

For more information on education and other Census topics, visit the Reports and Surveys section on NBjobs.ca (under the Job Trends tab).

$22,047

$30,201

$31,331

$43,221

$37,790

$43,443

$56,876

$72,009

No Certificate, Diploma or Degree


Non-Apprenticeship Trades Certificate

Apprenticeship Certificate

College

University - Below Bachelor Level

University - Bachelor's Degree

University - Above Bachelor Level

Median Employment Income by Highest Level of Education (Ages 25 to 64, New Brunswick, 2015)


Page 17 of 26

Women

Labour Force Statistics by Sex (New Brunswick, 2017)

Women Men

Working-Age Population (Ages 15+) 319,600 305,100

Labour Force 185,300 198,700

Employment 173,700 179,200

Full-Time Employment 139,500 162,400

Part-Time Employment 34,200 16,800

Unemployment 11,500 19,500

Not in Labour Force 134,300 106,500

Participation Rate 58.0% 65.1%

Employment Rate 54.3% 58.7%

Unemployment Rate 6.2% 9.8% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0002

• Women (15+) had a lower participation rate than men in both New Brunswick (58.0% compared

to 65.1%) and the country as a whole (61.5% compared to 70.2%); however, among New

Brunswick’s youth population (ages 15 to 24), women had a higher participation rate (64.7%

compared to 60.0%) than men.

• While labour force participation among core working-age women has been increasing over time,

over the past several years, this growth has levelled off. Between 1977 and 2009, the

participation rate among core working-age women increased by an average of 1.2 p.p. annually;

however, since then, it has remained largely unchanged (83.0% in 2017 compared to 83.1% in

2009).

• Women had a lower unemployment rate than men in both New Brunswick (6.2% versus 9.8%)

and the country as a whole (5.8% versus 6.8%). While there are likely many factors contributing

to this, this is large part a reflection of the types of industries and/or occupations that

individuals from each sex are employed in; for example women in New Brunswick are much

more likely to be employed in broad occupational groups that traditionally have had very low

unemployment rates such as:

o Health occupations

o Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

64.7%83.0%

58.2%

8.0%

60.0%89.1%

68.4%

16.7%

15 to 24 years 25 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 years and over

Participation Rate by Age Group and Sex (New Brunswick, 2017)

Women Men


Page 18 of 26

o Business, finance and administrative occupations

• Women were more likely than men to be working part-time in 2017 (19.7% of employed women

were working part-time, compared to 9.4% of employed men). At a national level, 26.2% of

employed women were working part-time, compared to 12.7% of employed men.

• In 2017, 24.0% of New Brunswick women who were employed part-time were willing, able, and

would have preferred to be working full-time, compared to 25.6% of men who were employed

part-time.

• Although women had a higher incidence of post-secondary education credentials than men in

2016, they were less likely to be employed in an occupation that usually requires a post-

secondary education or significant work experience. According to the 2016 Census, 60.6% of

New Brunswick women ages 25 to 64 had some form of post-secondary certificate, diploma or

degree, compared to 54.4% of men ages 25 to 64. On the labour side, 59.2% of employed

females between the ages of 25 and 64 were employed in occupations that usually require a

post-secondary education or significant work experiencevii, compared to 62.9% of the employed

male population.

• In New Brunswick in 2017, the median hourly wage rate for women was $18.22, compared to

$20.00 for men. At a national level, the median hourly wage rate for women was $21.00,

compared to $24.91 for men. This is likely in large part related to the types of industries and/or

occupations that individuals from each sex are employed in, among other factors.

Youth

Labour Force Statistics for Select Age Groups (New Brunswick, 2017)

Youth

(Ages 15 to 24) Core Working-Age

(Ages 25 to 54)

Working-Age Population 81,900 280,600

Labour Force 51,000 241,300

Employment 44,200 225,400

Full-Time Employment 26,500 207,600

Part-Time Employment 17,700 17,800





Unemployment Rate 13.5% 6.6% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0002

• Those ages 15 to 24 accounted for 13.1% of the province’s working-age population and 13.3% of

its labour force in 2017. As of 2017, New Brunswick’s youth population had decreased for 39

consecutive years. .

• New Brunswick youth (ages 15 to 24) had a slightly higher participation rate (62.3%) than the

general New Brunswick working-age population (61.5%) in 2017; however, the participation rate


Page 19 of 26

among the core working-age population (86.0%) far exceeded the youth participation rate. Since

reaching a record high level of 68.5% in 2008, the province’s youth participation rate has been

trending downwards


• Youth in New Brunswick (62.3%) had a slightly lower participation rate in 2017 compared to the

national average among youth (63.9%)

• 60.0% of the New Brunswick youth population who were employed in 2017 were working full-

time (30+ hours per week). While this was well above the national rate among youth of 51.0%, it

was well below the percentage of employment that was full-time among the total working-age

population (85.5%).

• New Brunswick youth had a higher unemployment rate (13.5%) than both the general New

Brunswick working-age population (8.1%) and the Canada-wide youth population (11.6%) in

2017.

• Within the youth population, those ages 15 to 19 had a much higher unemployment rate (18.6%

compared to 10.3%) and a much lower participation rate (50.5% compared 73.2%) than those

between the ages of 20 and 24.

• The median hourly wage rate for New Brunswick youth in 2017 was $12.00, compared to $19.35

for the general population. At a national level, the median hourly wage rate for youth was

$13.00, compared to $22.62 for the general population.

• New Brunswick students between the ages of 15 and 24 had a participation rate of 38.9% and

an employment rate of 32.8% during the school months (January to April and September to

December) in 2017. In contrast, the participation rate among non-student youth during the

school months was 83.4%, while the employment rate was 71.6%.

62.3%86.0%

63.3%

12.1%

15 to 24 years 25 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 years and over

Participation Rate by Age Group (New Brunswick, 2017)


Page 20 of 26

Older Workers

Labour Force Statistics for Select Age Groups (New Brunswick, 2017)

Ages 55 to 64 Ages 65+ Core Working-Age

(Ages 25 to 54)

Working-Age Population 117,200 145,000 280,600

Labour Force 74,200 17,500 241,300

Employment 67,100 16,300 225,400

Full-Time Employment 58,300 9,500 207,600

Part-Time Employment 8,800 6,800 17,800

Unemployment 7,100 1,200 15,900

Not in Labour Force 43,100 127,500 39,300

Participation Rate 63.3% 12.1% 86.0%

Employment Rate 57.3% 11.2% 80.3%

Unemployment Rate 9.6% 6.9% 6.6% Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM Table 282-0002

• Of the estimated 262,200 New Brunswickers ages 55 and over in 2017, approximately 91,700

were participating in the labour force. The ages 55 and over population accounted for 42.0% of

the province’s working-age population and 23.9% of its labour force in 2017. In 2007, the ages

55 and over population accounted for 32.9% of the province’s working-age population.

• In general, labour force participation is significantly lower among older age groups in the province.

In 2017, the participation rate for New Brunswick’s core working-age population was 86.0%,

compared to 63.3% among the population ages 55 to 64, and 11.2% for those ages 65 and over.

• Labour force participation among the province’s older population has increased significantly in

recent years. Between 2007 and 2017, the participation rate among the population ages 55 to

64 increased from 53.9% to 63.3%, while the participation rate for those ages 65 and over

increased from 6.5% to 12.1%.

• Compared to Canada as a whole, older workers in New Brunswick were slightly less likely to be

participating in the labour force. The participation rate among New Brunswickers ages 55 to 64

(63.3%) trailed the comparable national rate (65.0%) by 2.7 p.p., while the participation rate for

New Brunswickers ages 65 and over (12.1%) trailed the comparable national rate (14.2%) by 2.1

p.p.


62.3%86.0% 75.4%

50.4%23.0%

6.3%

15 to 24 years 25 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years 70 years and over

Participation Rate by Age Group (New Brunswick, 2017)


Page 21 of 26

• In 2017, 86.9% of employed New Brunswickers ages 55 to 64 were working full-time (compared

to 82.4% nationally); however, individuals ages 65 and over were much less likely to be

employed full-time. In 2017, 58.3% of employed New Brunswickers ages 65 and over were

working full-time (compared to 57.6% nationally).

• In 2017, New Brunswickers between the ages of 55 and 64 had a higher unemployment rate

(9.6%) than both the general New Brunswick working-age population (8.1%) and the Canada-

wide age 55 to 64 population (5.8%). Those 65 years and over had an unemployment rate of

6.9% within the province, and 5.1% nationally.

• According to the 2016 Census, 47.5% of New Brunswickers ages 55 to 64 had some form of post-

secondary certificate (55.7% nationally), diploma or degree. On the labour side, 53.3% of

employed New Brunswickers aged 55 to 64 were employed in occupations that usually require a

post-secondary education or significant work experience (60.2% nationally).

• The median hourly wage rate for New Brunswickers 55 years and over in 2017 was $19.25,

compared to $19.35 for the general population. At a national level, the median hourly wage rate

for ages 55 and over was $23.45 compared to $22.62 for the general population.

Aboriginal Peoples

Labour Force Statistics by Aboriginal Identity (New Brunswick, 2016)

Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal


Labour force 13,655 368,135






Unemployment Rate 20.1% 10.9% Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• As of 2016, there were 22,600 working-age New Brunswickers who identified as Aboriginal, with

13,655 of these individuals participating in the labour force. The Aboriginal population

accounted for 3.6% of both the province’s working-age population and labour force; nationally,

the Aboriginal population accounted for 4.3% of the country’s working-age population and 4.0%

of its labour force.

• Of the 22,600 working-age New Brunswickers who identified as Aboriginal, 26.9% were living on

reserve in 2016.


Page 22 of 26

• In recent Censuses, the number of individuals who identify as Aboriginal has increased

significantly (+67.1% between 2006 and 2016); while factors such as natural population growth

and migration likely also played significant roles, this growth is likely in large part a product of

changes in how individuals self-identify.

• In 2016, the participation rate of the Aboriginal population (60.4%), was very similar to that of

the non-Aboriginal population (61.6%); however, among the typical working-age (ages 15 to 64)

population, this gap was much larger. In 2016, the participation rate among the typical working-

age Aboriginal population was 67.2%, compared to 76.2% for the non-Aboriginal population.

• The New Brunswick Aboriginal population had a much higher unemployment rate than the

province’s non-Aboriginal population. In 2016, the unemployment rate of the Aboriginal

population in New Brunswick was 20.1% (15.2% nationally), compared to 10.9% for the

province’s non-Aboriginal population (7.4% nationally).

• In 2016, the participation rate for those who identified as Aboriginal and were living on reserve

(54.4%) was noticeably lower than it was for both the off reserve Aboriginal population (62.3%)

and the non-Aboriginal population (61.6%). Similarly, the unemployment rate for those who

identified as Aboriginal and were living on reserve (29.9%) was noticeably higher than it was for

both the off reserve Aboriginal population (17.4%) and the non-Aboriginal population (10.9%).

It’s worth noting that Aboriginal people in New Brunswick living off-reserve were much more

likely to be living in one of the province’s urban centres than the on-reserve population.

• In New Brunswick in 2016, among those ages 25 to 64, 53.4% of the Aboriginal population living

off reserve, and 47.1% of the Aboriginal population living on reserve had some form of post-

secondary education, compared to 57.8% of the non-Aboriginal population.

• Aboriginal people in New Brunswick between the ages of 25 and 64 were more likely to have a

apprenticeship or trades certificate than the non-Aboriginal population (12.6% of the Aboriginal

population compared to 9.3% of the non-Aboriginal population).

• Aboriginal people in New Brunswick between the ages of 25 and 64 were much less likely to

have a bachelor’s degree or higher than the non-Aboriginal population (10.9% of the Aboriginal

population compared to 20.5% of the non-Aboriginal population).

• Those with an Aboriginal identity in New Brunswick had a median individual total income of

$23,869 in 2015, compared to $31,337 for the province’s non-Aboriginal population.

For more information on Aboriginal Peoples and other Census topics, visit the Reports and Surveys section on NBjobs.ca (under the Job Trends tab).


Page 23 of 26

Immigrants

Labour Force Statistics of Immigrants and Non-Immigrants (New Brunswick, 2016)

Immigrant Non-Immigrant


Labour Force 17,965 361,415






Unemployment Rate 8.5% 11.3% Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• As of 2016, there were 30,470 working-age immigrants living in New Brunswick, with 17,965 of

these individuals participating in the labour force. Immigrants accounted for 4.9% of the

province’s working-age population and 4.7% of the province’s labour force. More than one-fifth

(22.3%) of these working-age immigrants had immigrated to New Brunswick between 2011 and

2016.

• The concentration of immigrants in 2016 was especially high in the province’s three main urban

centres: Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John. These three areas alone (which accounted for

approximately half the province’s total population) accounted for 67.6% of the province’s

immigrant population and 80.0% of those who immigrated to the province between 2011 and

2016. In 2016, the participation rate among immigrants living in New Brunswick was 59.0%,

compared to 61.7% for the non-immigrant population. For those ages 15 to 64, the participation

rate for the New Brunswick immigrant population was 72.9%, compared to 76.0% for the non-

immigrant population.

• In 2016 the unemployment rate for the province’s immigrant population (8.5% within the

province, 7.7% nationally) was lower than that of the province’s non-immigrant population

(11.3% within the province, 7.7% nationally).

• New Brunswick immigrants were much more likely to have a post-secondary education than the

non-immigrant population. In 2016, 71.3% of immigrants between the ages 25 and 64 who were

living in the province had some form of post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree,

compared to 56.8% of the non-immigrant population in this same age group.

• Immigrants living in New Brunswick were less likely to have a college education than the non-

immigrant population (20.6% of immigrants ages 25 to 64, compared to 26.5% of the non-

immigrant population).

• Immigrants living in New Brunswick were less likely to have an apprenticeship or trades

certificate than the non-immigrant population (6.8% of immigrants ages 25 to 64 compared to

9.6% of non-immigrants).


Page 24 of 26

• A much larger share of the immigrant population ages 25 to 64 (39.6%) had a bachelor’s degree

or higher, compared to the non-immigrant population (19.0%). This is in large part a reflection

of Canada and New Brunswick’s immigration policies; more than two-thirds of the immigrant

population aged 25 to 64 with a bachelor’s degree or higher received their certificate, degree or

diploma in a country other than Canada.

• The New Brunswick immigrant population had a median individual total income of $28,978 in

2015, compared to $31,205 for the province’s non-Immigrant population.

For more information on the Immigrant population and other Census topics, visit the Reports and Surveys section on NBjobs.ca (under the Job Trends tab).

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Labour Force Statistics of Typical Working-Age Persons with Disabilities (New Brunswick, 2012)

Characteristic Persons With

Disabilities Persons Without

Disabilities

Typical Working-Age Population (Ages 15 to 64) 61,650 438,020

Labour force 28,580 346,430






Unemployment Rate 16.6% 9.8% Source: Statistics Canada, 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability

• As of 2012, there were 61,650 typical working-age (ages 15 to 64) persons with disabilities

(PWDs) in the province, with 28,580 of these individuals participating in the labour force. PWDs

accounted for 12.3% of the typical working-age population, but only 7.6% of the typical working-

age population who were participating in the labour force.

• Of the 61,650 typical working-age PWDs in the province, 29,940 (48.6%) had disabilities that

were classified as mild or moderate, while the remaining 32,710 (53.1%) had disabilities that

were classified as severe or very severe.

• Of the various types of disabilities in the province in 2012, the most common types of disabilities

among the typical working-age population were related to pain, flexibility and mobility.


Page 25 of 26

• PWDs in New Brunswick have a much lower participation rate than persons without disabilities;

in 2017, the participate rate among typical working-age PWDs in the province was 49.4%,

compared to 79.2% for typical working-age persons without disabilities. Participation rates for

typical working-age PWDs were lowest among those with memory and development disabilities.

• Of the 29,260 PWDs not in the labour force, 15,750 reported being completely prevented from

working as a result of their disability/disabilities.

• PWDs have a much higher unemployment rate than persons without disabilities; in 2017, the

unemployment rate among typical working-age PWDs in the province was 16.6% compared to

9.8% for typical working-age persons without disabilities.

• Disabilities are much more prevalent among older New Brunswickers. In 2012, 19.0% of the ages

44 to 64 population in the province had a disability, compared to 8.2% of the ages 25 to 44

population, and 4.0% of the ages 15 to 24 population.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability

• In 2011, 54.0% of New Brunswick working-age PWDs made under $20,000 in total income

(including both employment income and government transfers),, compared to 38.0% of those

without a disability.viii

Results from the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability are planned to be released in December 2018.

i For the purposes of this document, Statistic Canada’s medium growth (M1) projection scenario #1 was used; for more information on these projections and scenarios, visit: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/91-520-x2014001-eng.pdf ii While international migration levels in New Brunswick have historically been low in comparison to levels in other parts of the country, they have increased considerably over the past two years, reaching recorded highs (since Statistics Canada began tracking such numbers in 1971). Similarly, while net interprovincial migration is consistently negative, it has been trending in the positive direction over the past three years. iii The “dependency ratio” is sometimes also referred to as the “demographic dependency ratio” (with the same going for the senior and child dependency ratios); furthermore, the age categories used may vary. iv Disaggregated data was not available for the CA of Campbellton

4.0%8.2%

19.0%

15 to 24 years 25 to 44 years 45 to 64 years

Prevalence of Disability for Typical Working-Age Adults by Age Group (New Brunswick, 2012)

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/91-520-x2014001-eng.pdf

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/91-520-x2014001-eng.pdf


Page 26 of 26

v For the purposes of this document, “Northern” New Brunswick is defined as the Northeast and Northwest Economic Regions, while “Southern” New Brunswick is defined as the Southeast, Southwest or Central Economic Regions. vi Employment counts for “occupations typically requiring a post-secondary education” are based on NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill levels and include all management occupations and all occupations that were assigned skill level A (“occupations usually require university education”) or skill level B (“occupations usually require college education or apprenticeship training”). vii For the purposes of this document, “occupations that usually require a post-secondary education or significant work experience” refers to occupations that are classified as skill level A (including management occupations) or B by NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill level A or B, or for more details visit: http://noc.esdc.gc.ca/English/noc/Introduction.aspx?ver=16#sl viii Income shares include individuals with no income

http://noc.esdc.gc.ca/English/noc/Introduction.aspx?ver=16#sl

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