white rose oilfield development application - Husky Energy

fish landings. Out-migration increased and by 1997-98, it had reached a peak of 9,490 residents, thehighest in 20 years.In 1998 and 1999, Newfoundland posted the strongest economic growth of any province. A growth of5.3 percent in the province’s real GDP was led by gains in exports and capital investment, both of whichreached record levels. Economic gains included increases in offshore oil activity, crab and shrimplandings, construction activity, tourism and manufacturing.6.1.1 Business and EmploymentThe province’s economic growth was reflected in the labour market, with a 1999 unemployment rate of17 percent, down from 18 percent in 1998. There were job gains in the fisheries, retail trade,construction, tourism and transportation industries.The St. John’s area has shared the economic success enjoyed by the province. Recent years have seenincreasing employment in the region, and in 1999 the area’s unemployment rate was 10 percent. Thesedeclines in the unemployment rate reflect, in part, the important contribution the offshore oil industry ismaking to the St. John’s area economy. St. John’s has been the primary location for administrative,engineering, regulatory, training, supply base, air transportation and service activities for the east coastoil industry.Economic conditions in the Isthmus of Avalon area have fluctuated over the years, reflecting changes inthe provincial economy, fishery and major industrial projects within and close by the region. In 1996,the Isthmus area had a population of 17,940, a labour force to 7,875 and an unemployment rate of 24percent. The Isthmus area has been involved with the offshore oil industry over the last decade (the BullArm construction and fabrication facility and the Newfoundland Transshipment Terminal).The economy of the Marystown area has also fluctuated over the years, depending on fishing, fishprocessing and the shipyard. In 1996, the region had a population of 12,552, a labour force of 5,465 andan unemployment rate of 34 percent. The Marystown shipyard is the largest shipbuilding and repairfacility in the province, and has resulted in Marystown being involved in the Newfoundland oil industrysince its early years.6.1.2 Community Social Infrastructure and ServicesLocal residents value community infrastructure and services insofar as the quantity and quality of thoseservices in a community contribute to the overall standard and quality of life.White Rose DA Project Summary • January 2001 Page 85