Newfoundland and Labrador boasts a highly-skilled, productive workforce across a broad range of skill sets. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are a hard-working people, deeply rooted in their home province which results in low employee turnover and absenteeism, as well as high employer loyalty. Combined with one of the lowest labour costs in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is an attractive location for business expansion and development.
Newfoundland and Labrador has a progressive labour environment and an education and training infrastructure that has resulted in a skilled and talented workforce. Investors can find the right people - with the right skill sets - across a broad range of occupations.
St. John’s is just one of countless communities across Newfoundland and Labrador that offers an enviable way of life. According to the Conference Board of Canada, St. John’s is experiencing the country’s highest level of productivity, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s GDP ranks second per capita in Canada. But other things that contribute to our great way of life can’t be measured by a spreadsheet. Close-knit communities, a superior work-life balance and a vibrant, creative arts community.
Adapting to the elements through hundreds of years of habitation has shaped Newfoundlanders and Labradorians into the resilient, creative and innovative people they are today. The result: a love of home, a sense of pride and a work ethic which is second to none.
The province has a labour force of just over 253,000. More than half are located in and around the capital city of St. John's. Labour rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are very competitive among industrialized nations. Overall, Canadian labour at current exchange rates offers substantial advantages to firms that compete in international markets.
The tables below indicate some favourable trends with respect to the province’s labour force. Since 2003, the province has demonstrated a trend towards fewer days lost per worker and there has been a significant and steady decrease in work stoppages in this province since the 1970’s.
Days Lost per Worker
Canada, Atlantic Provinces’ Average and Newfoundland & Labrador
2002 to 2008
Total Number of Work Stoppages
Newfoundland and Labrador
5-Year Increments
1971-1975 to 2001-2005 and 2006-2009*
* - January to September
Source: Policy and Planning Division, Labour Relations Agency
