Statistics Canada is reporting today, May 11, that culture and sport contributed more than $1 billion to Nova Scotia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2014 and accounted for 15,813 jobs.

Culture GDP grew by more than 15 per cent during the five-year period between 2010-14 and sport GDP grew by 10 per cent, according to the report available at www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/160511/dq160511a-eng.htm . Culture jobs increased by 4.7 per cent to 13,874 and sport jobs increased by 2.3 per cent to 1,939.

“I am encouraged to see sustained growth in culture and sport in Nova Scotia,” said Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “The province recognizes the value of these sectors, both economically and socially, and we are taking steps to ensure their ongoing success in our province.”

The report looks at the economics of culture grouped in eight broad categories including heritage and libraries, live performance, visual and applied arts, written and published works, audio-visual and interactive media, sound recording, education and training, and governance/funding-and-professional-support.

In Budget 2016-2017, the province provided the following funding:
— $2 million for Creative Industries Fund
— $10 million for the Film and Television Production Incentive Fund
— $2 million for Canada 150
— $500,000 for the Major Events Fund

Source: Release