ISA Global

Nova Scotia’s population has now surpassed one million, owing largely to immigration.

Nova Scotia has reached a population milestone after seeing unprecedented growth since July 2021. Canada had relaxed a travel restriction on approved permanent residents a month prior, which had restricted immigration since the border closed in March 2020.

“More people make us stronger in every aspect,” remarked Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia in a press statement. “With a larger tax base, new businesses and jobs, increased variety and culture, and enhanced infrastructure, we all benefit from economic growth.”

According to a press statement from the provincial government, immigration played a significant role in population growth. In the first quarter of 2021, Nova Scotia’s population increased by 5,696, the biggest rise in a first-quarter since 1971.

In 2020, India, China, the Philippines, Korea, and the United Kingdom were the top countries of origin for immigrants to Nova Scotia.

The province now has the greatest immigration retention rate among the Atlantic provinces, at 71%. Newcomers have historically flocked to these four east-coast provinces in pursuit of work or more urban areas.

Supporting economic growth by luring employees and entrepreneurs is one of the province’s top concerns. Nova Scotia is prepared to launch a $2.5 million marketing campaign to promote immigration to the federal government in order to help achieve this goal.

By 2060, the province hopes to have a population of two million people. Nova Scotia wants to attract 25,000 newcomers each year through a combination of inter-provincial mobility and immigration to achieve this goal.

There are several immigration schemes available for persons wishing to relocate to Nova Scotia.

Express Entry, Canada’s principal immigration route, is open to anyone who wants to dwell in any Canadian province except Quebec. You must be eligible for one of the three Federal High Skilled Immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program to apply for Express Entry.

There is also a Provincial Nominee Program in Nova Scotia (PNP). PNPs such as Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry, Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities, and Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians may be available to Express Entry candidates.

For those who are not eligible for Express Entry, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) offers programmes. Skilled Worker, Occupation In-Demand, and Physician Stream are three programs that workers may be eligible for.

The Entrepreneur Stream and the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream are two streams designed exclusively for entrepreneurs.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), which covers Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, is another option.

Employers in these provinces can utilize the AIP to hire international workers and put up a settlement plan for them. According to an early evaluation of the pilot, the settlement plans are already assisting in improving retention rates.

Nova Scotian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently indicated that the AIP will be made permanent in the coming year.