What Natural Resources Does Nova Scotia Have in Abundance?

What Natural Resources Does Nova Scotia Have in Abundance?

RECENT POSTS

what natural resources does nova scotia have in abundance cover

Despite being one of Canada's smaller provinces, Nova Scotians play a vital role in Canada’s economy and global resource markets. Known for its rugged coastlines and picturesque landscapes, Nova Scotia possesses a wide array of natural resources, including food, fish, energy, minerals, wood and more, that it shares with Canadians and the world!

The province’s history in natural resources spans longer than Canada is old, providing jobs and prosperity to local families for well over a century. Whether it’s the rich abundance of ground minerals, vast forested landscapes, or plentiful oceanic seafood, Nova Scotia does its part in providing us all with the resources we need to live and thrive.

Below, we have compiled several facts showing you just what natural resources Nova Scotia has in abundance, with more on how the Atlantic province's natural wealth contributes immensely to the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Canadian families.

Fisheries & Aquaculture in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is responsible for 27 percent of Canada's total seafood exports every year

Quick Facts

#1 – More than 18,250 people are employed by the aquaculture, harvesting, and seafood product preparation and packaging sectors in Nova Scotia [1]

#2 – Nova Scotia exported $2.5 billion in fish and seafood products to more than 70 countries in 2023 [2]

#3 – Nova Scotia exports about 50 species of fish and seafood annually [2]

#4 – Nova Scotia is Canada’s top seafood exporting province, and is home to nearly 210 seafood processing companies [2]

#5 – Nova Scotia’s largest export markets include the U.S. ($1.2 billion, 52%), the Indo-Pacific ($842 million, 36%), and the European Union ($241 million, 10%) in 2024 [3]

As Canada’s number one seafood exporting province, it is no surprise that the aquaculture industry is a cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s economy. As global demand for seafood continues to rise, Nova Scotians are well-positioned to be leaders in supplying both domestic and foreign markets via cutting-edge standards for quality and best-in-class methods. Nova Scotian seafood is often considered some of the finest in the world.

Employing over 16,000 workers, the fishing and aquaculture industry of Nova Scotia is amongst the biggest supporters of the provincial economy. Exports equate to nearly $2.5 billion annually and are sent to all Canadian provinces and more than 70 countries worldwide. The province is home to nearly 210 seafood processing companies, showing how the industry plays a foundational role in supporting the livelihoods of Canadians.

Agriculture in Nova Scotia

30 percent of Nova Scotia's land surface area is classified as prime agriculture land

Quick Facts

#1 – Nova Scotia is home to 2,741 farms with an average size of 263 acres [4]

#2 – More than 6,280 people are directly employed by farming in Nova Scotia, with expected labour demand to increase 16% between 2023 and 2030 [4]

#3 – Total farm receipts and operating revenues in Nova Scotia’s AG sector were more than $722 million in 2022 [4]

#4 – More than 830 farms reported direct sales of unprocessed agricultural and value-added products to Canadians [4]

#5 – The average age of Nova Scotian principal farm operators is 58 [4]

Agriculture is another important economic sector for Nova Scotians, employing more than 6,280 people on average every year. With large swaths of its land having an “agricultural” classification, Nova Scotia is well-positioned to meet the food demands of Canadians and contribute its fair share to feeding the world.

While Nova Scotia is well-known for its world-renowned fishing and aquaculture industry, the province is also home to a thriving on-land farming sector. It had over $722 million in gross farm cash receipts and operating revenues in 2022, with milk, fruits, vegetables, chickens, and eggs being the top revenue earners for Nova Scotian farmers.

The province's central agricultural region, the Annapolis Valley, boasts favourable conditions for growing fruits, vegetables and grains. The valley is well known for its apple orchards, while blueberry farms flourish across the province.

Forestry in Nova Scotia

75 percent of Nova Scotia's land surface area is covered by forests

Quick Facts

#1 – Covering three-quarters of the province, Nova Scotia's four million hectares of forest form the foundation of its forestry sector [1]

#2 – Each year, Nova Scotia's economy benefits from approximately $2 billion in activity directly generated by its forestry industry [4]

#3 – The forestry sector supports the livelihoods of over 6,400 people in Nova Scotia, through 2,700 direct full-time roles and an additional 3,700 jobs in related industries [2]

#4 – Compensation for forestry workers in Nova Scotia can be as much as 54% higher than the province's average salary [4]

#5 – Annually, the forestry industry contributes over $170 million in tax revenues, split almost evenly between the provincial government ($84 million) and the federal government ($87 million) [4]

With 75% of its land covered by forest, the forestry sector is a thriving part of Nova Scotia’s economy and a critical industry for regional families. Forestry is often considered by many to be a significant backbone of the provincial economy, supporting more than 6,400 direct and indirect jobs for Nova Scotians and adding ~$2 billion in GDP impact annually.

Home to a diverse range of tree species, Nova Scotians can harvest softwood and hardwood, each of which is manufactured into different end-use products. The average forestry worker in the province earns up to 54% more than the average Nova Scotian, making the sector appealing from an income standpoint.

Mining in Nova Scotia

Mining - Canada Action Banner

Quick Facts

#1 – Nova Scotia is home to 16 targeted critical minerals that can help the world meet growing global demand [5]

#2 – Nova Scotia’s mining sector has a total annual GDP of nearly $410 million, with $322 million direct GDP impact, and an additional $87 million indirect [6]

#3 – Approximately 3,028 people are directly and indirectly employed by mining in the province [6]

#4 – The mining sector provides an average annual compensation of $102,000 (2021) [6]

#5 – More than $210 million in direct and indirect labour wages are paid by Nova Scotia’s mining sector annually [6]

Mining is another job-creating, prosperity-generating resource industry in Nova Scotia, as the province is home to a diverse array of geological formations. Coal, salt, sand, gypsum and gold are just a few examples of the minerals and metals found within its borders, all building blocks for construction, road maintenance, electronics and more.

Nova Scotia’s mining industry has been providing for its residents for over 300 years, longer than Canada has been a nation. Getting its start in gold extraction, the sector has flourished into one of the economic foundations of Nova Scotia. 

Today, the province has incredible opportunities to expand its critical mining sector and become a leader within Canada in the production of various minerals and metals.

Challenges for Nova Scotia’s Resource Economy

Like other resource sectors across Canada, Nova Scotia’s aquaculture, farming, forestry, and mining industries are not without their challenges. Today, they face significant economic uncertainty due to their heavy reliance on foreign markets, particularly the United States.

Given that a substantial portion of exports like seafood and lumber are destined for the U.S., the sector is highly vulnerable to international trade disputes and protectionist policies. The potential imposition of new tariffs or other trade barriers could severely impact profitability and disrupt established supply chains, creating a precarious environment for producers who depend on stable access to American markets.

Another critical challenge is a persistent and worsening labour crisis driven by an aging workforce and difficulties in attracting new talent. Across key sectors like agriculture, fishing, and forestry, the average age of workers is increasing, and not enough younger people are entering these fields to replace those who are retiring. This demographic gap is creating widespread labour shortages, from processing plants to on-the-ground operations, which limits these industries' capacity to expand and meet market demand even when conditions are otherwise favourable.

As major job and prosperity creators, it’s critical that Canadians nationwide continue to support the development of natural resources and new trade infrastructure across Nova Scotia. Doing so will make our nation stronger, more economically independent, and nurture a brighter future for all across our great nation.

Join Us Today!

The World Needs More Canada - Banner Snip

Learn more about natural resources in Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada by joining us online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook today.

SOURCES:

1 - https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/cfs-spc/tab/cfs-spc-tab2-eng.htm

2 - https://investnovascotia.ca/our-high-growth-sectors/seafood

3 - https://nsseafood.com/#close

4 - https://nsfa-fane.ca/nova-scotia-agriculture/

5 - https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

6 - https://notyourgrandfathersmining.ca/jobs-and-prosperity

7 - https://nsfa-fane.ca/

8 - https://tmans.ca/

9 - https://forestns.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FNS-Economic-Impact-Report-Gardner-Pinfold-Dec-2016.pdf