I wasn't sure where to post this. The retail sales for Nova Scotia was up 8.8% for the one year period of January 2009 to January 2010. Only Newfoundland had a stronger increase in retail sales, which is likely due to the strong energy sector.
Retail sales is one indicator of a strong economy since it indicates that people have money to spend. The data table is here:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100319/t100319b1-eng.htm