Nova Scotia Minister eyes more immigrants

Nova Scotia’s Immigration Minister has described attracting more immigrants as being crucial to the province’s future economic success.

Responding to findings in a new Ivany Report, it stated that immigrants struggle to get a foothold in Nova Scotia and that the local’s attitudes towards newcomers can sometimes be non-too welcoming. Lena Metiege Diab said that the province is working hard to become more immigrants friendly.

“Outstanding settlement services are available across the province including language instruction, job-readiness and cultural integration training,” she said. “Of course, government’s response is only part of the solution. Our communities and individual Nova Scotians are clearly stepping forward and truly welcoming our new Nova Scotians.”

Statistics show that the province nominated 1,350 immigrants under the provincial nominee programme in 2015 – nearly double the 2014 cap of 700. What’s more, Statistics Canada figures show that the Nova Scotia retained 74 per cent of the immigrants who moved to the province between 2008 and 2013 – a record retention rate.

And, having opened more immigration streams last year, Minister Diab is confident immigrant numbers will continue to rise over the coming years.

“Last year we announced four new ways to immigrate, including two new express entry streams and two streams aimed at attracting international entrepreneurs and retaining international graduate entrepreneurs,” she said. “We are not only working hard to attract new immigrants, our goal is to welcome people who wish to build their lives in Nova Scotia.”