The dynamics of firm growth in Atlantic Canada and Canada (1989-1995)

Abstract

This paper utilizes unpublished Statistics Canada data to examine the dynamics of firm growth in Atlantic Canada and Canada during the 1989-1995 period. The six-year analysis focuses on business entries and exits and on trends within specific industries and provinces. Comparisons are made between the Atlantic region and the country as a whole. Results confirm the importance of SMEs to the entrepreneurial activity of the region and the country and indicate that Atlantic Canada continues to outperform the nation in the rate of new business start-ups and in the net retention rate of firms.