New Statistics Canada data released today, June 9, will give Nova Scotians and government a clearer understanding of the economic importance of the province’s culture and sport sectors.

The 2010 Culture Satellite Account figures show arts, culture and heritage contribute about $868 million to Nova Scotia’s economy, and more than 14,000 jobs across the province.

The data supports government’s move to put a business focus on the creative industries, through the Department of Business and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Sport contributes close to $88 million to the Nova Scotian economy and represents more than 2,100 jobs.

This is the first time such detailed, economic culture data for the provinces and territories has been available.

The provinces and territories, worked with Statistics Canada and Canadian Heritage to collect data to calculate the economic value of arts, culture, heritage and sport, and provide comparisons to other industries.

The Culture Satellite Account data can be found at www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150609/dq150609b-eng.htm .

Source: Release