HALIFAX -- A think-tank is describing Atlantic Canada's economic performance so far this year as weak.
The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council says a variety of economic conditions, including labour markets, retail spending and new home construction, have fared poorly across the region in 2014.
Employment dropped in three of Atlantic Canada's four provinces, while national levels grew by 0.7 per cent.
New Brunswick experienced higher unemployment in 2014, but still fell below 2008 levels.
The council says this is partly the result of changes to federal programs, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador all finalized new labour market agreements with Ottawa and are set to receive funding over the next three years for job creation.
