Work Here in St. John’s - Resources for job seekers
St. John’s has a diversified economy along with a range of businesses and agencies seeking employees. There are many options for employment in St. John’s – nearly half (43.5%) of all businesses in the province are located within St. John’s metro. Many companies, specializing in key sectors like energy, technology, oceans, tourism and the fishery, recognize St. John’s as an emerging city well worth investing in.
Visit AdvantageStJohns.ca for data on our top industries and average wages.
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The technology and innovation sector is one of the City’s fastest growing economic drivers, with local tech companies contributing in excess of $1.6 billion to the provincial economy each year. Search for opportunities in the tech sector at technl.
Home to some of the world’s most exclusive facilities and technologies in ocean tech, research and innovation, St. John’s has long been considered ‘Canada’s Ocean City Powerhouse’. Learn more about this sector at Oceans Advance. Check out Canada’s Ocean Supercluster - Ocean Careers Portal to find job boards, career profiles, and internships by province.
The arts, culture and entertainment scene in St. John’s is a catalyst and driver of tourist attraction, and innovation for the businesses and industries operating here. Human Resources firm Higher Talent and Music NL have launched a partnership to open opportunities for individuals in the NL music sector to access employment while off-stage. For opportunities in the tourism sector search Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. For information on the Film, Arts & Culture sector visit AdvantageStJohns.ca.
St. John’s boasts numerous reasons for workers seeking a better work-life balance. From the average work commute of 15 minutes to the unprecedented access to nature and outdoor adventure, there are many factors that are prompting more people to prioritize the life benefits that come with living outside of Canada’s major city centres. Where else could you finish your workday at 5:00 p.m. and be out on the Atlantic in a kayak or on a world class hiking trail by 5:30 p.m.?
Finding a job can sometimes be daunting; however, there is plenty of information and help available to job seekers in St. John's. Our Working in St. John’s webpage will get you started on finding your place in our competitive labour market.
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Major development projects continue in St. John’s
Here’s a list of the top five construction projects in 2023 recently completed or currently underway valued at more than $10 million. These projects are a strong indication of the continued confidence in St. John’s long-term economic growth.
- Warehouse Distribution Centre, 280 East White Hills Road - $12,950,000
- Private aircraft hangar, 160 Airport Road - $14,219,825
- Armour Transportation Warehouse, 235 Danny Drive - $16,298,738
- One Churchill Park Luxury Apartments, 39 Rowan Street - $28,000,000
Public sector
- City of St. John’s Galway Village Green Park, 35 Claddagh Road - $15,000,000
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Genoa Design International Inks Deal for Construction of New Icebreaker
St. John’s metro-based Genoa Design International has inked a deal with Seaspan Shipyards for the construction of Canada’s new polar icebreaker. The deal will see Genoa provide 3D modelling and design services for the construction of the ship, which is being described as the future flagship of the Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaking fleet. Up to 100 employees will be working on the project for the next several years.
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CNA 'Best in the Biz' Podcast
The College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has started an entrepreneur and start-up podcast called #BestInTheBiz highlighting the entrepreneurial achievements of CNA students and alumni. Host Ian MacDonald, CNA Business Development Officer Entrepreneurship, chats with successful entrepreneurs about their ventures, entrepreneurial skills, and what it takes to run a business. Check out the series at: cna.nl.ca/entrepreneurship.
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Build Local Business Capacity 2024
Guide to the Good social enterprise is hosting Building Local Business Capacity Business Exchange live and online January 25, 2024. This first of its kind event is about coming together to build a resilient ecosystem for small businesses, especially local, social, green, diverse inclusive businesses. The event includes a panel discussion, interactive conversation, lunch (in person), and a collaborative forward-facing plan. Find the details at eventbrite.ca.
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The Canada Summer Jobs program provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Deadline to apply is January 10, 2024. Apply: ow.ly/cFAh50Qn28C | |
Employers looking for part-time or temporary staff? Higher Talent and MusicNL have launched a partnership to open up opportunities for individuals in the NL music sector to access employment opportunities while off-stage. Find out more. | |
St. John’s-based LadderSpike has developed a footing system for ladders that drives spikes into the ground for improved stability. entrevestor.com | |
NewfoundlandandLabrador is well positioned to develop and export hydrogen and ammonia to the world market with a number of projects proposed across the province.
Atlantic Canada is emerging as a potential green hydrogen and ammonia export hub...Hydrogen Economist.
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Government of Canada Business Supports | |
Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
The tourism sector in Canada creates opportunities across the country, supporting almost two million jobs and contributing some $38 billion to Canada's GDP in 2022. As part of the Government of Canada’s Federal Tourism Growth Strategy a new Tourism Growth Program has been announced. This program will invest in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small businesses, and not-for-profits, helping them grow and positioning Canada as a destination of choice. Atlantic Canadian tourism businesses and organizations seeking to expand and access new markets can visit ACOA's Tourism Growth Program (TGP) for specifics on the program.
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Upcoming Courses and Events | |
Questions About Starting a Business | |
Our knowledgeable staff are here to help
Starting a new business is a busy and exciting time, and requires careful planning. Here at the City of St. John's Business Information Centre, we know our way around town and we'd be happy to connect you to the programs, resources and contacts you need to help make it happen. Get in touch. We're here to help.
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We'd love to hear from you
Do you have a good St. John's business news story to tell? Do you have feedback on what you would like to see covered in our monthly publication? Send your ideas to [email protected]
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Latest Economic Indicators
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City building permits 2023
Commercial permits
Down -20% from $135,045,206 in 2022 to $107,898,121 in 2023
Industrial permits
Valued at $351,000 for 2022 and $190,000 for 2023
Government/institutional permits
Up from $2,785,468 in 2022 to $7,565,686 in 2023*
Residential permits
Up 28% to $95,899,893 for 2023 over $74,647,239 for 2022
Repair permits
Down -3% from $1,752,409 in 2022 to $1,694,011 in 2023
Total value of all permits for 2023
Down -1% to $213,247,712 for 2023 over $214,581,322 for 2022
*This data does not include the full range of permit activity undertaken by the provincial government and Memorial University.
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Business approvals
Strum Consulting, 120 Torbay Road
Palms Beauty Store, 430 Topsail Road
True North Auto Centre, 255 Bay Bulls Road
Grilleopatra Grills & More, 281 Duckworth Street
Hollett Group, 33 Pippy Place
Cakey Hand, 16 Stavanger Drive
Corner Boy Barbers, 655 Topsail Road
Home-based businesses
Home Office, 2 North Drive
T and N Deep Cleaning, 28 Chalker Place
Moving company, 55 Terra Nova Road
Electrical contractor, 72 Otter Drive
Salon & spa, 170 St. Clare Avenue
Total business approvals for 2023 = 169 (regular = 126 and home-based = 43)
Total business approvals for 2022 = 139 (regular = 108 and home-based = 31)
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Labour force characteristics as of December 2023
Labour force – 123,300 (down -1.4%)
Unemployment rate – 6.7% (down -0.3ppts)
Employment – 115,100 (down -1.0%)
Participation rate – 64.1% (down -3.1ppts)
St. John's CMA, seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average. Percentage change reflects the same month previous year. Source: Statistics Canada.
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Economic indicators
The New Housing Price Index for St. John’s Metro was 105.8 in November 2023 (up 0.2%*)
The Consumer Price Index for St. John’s Metro was 159.5 in November 2023 (up 2.8%*)
Retail trade for Newfoundland and Labrador was $957 million in October 2023 (down -1.1%*)
*St. John's CMA, same month in the previous year. Source: Statistics Canada
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