Nova Scotia Welcomes Record Number of Newcomers

Nova Scotia welcomed more immigrants in 2018 than any previous year.

A total of 5,970 new permanent residents came to Nova Scotia, exceeding the 2016 record year high of 5,485. The 2018 figure is based on final, year-end federal calculations.

“We are thrilled to see an increase again this year and it’s evidence that the work we’re doing with settlement partners, employers and community groups is making a difference,” said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “Immigrants want to come to Nova Scotia and attracting and retaining newcomers will help grow our population, strengthen our economy and revitalize our communities - benefiting all Nova Scotians.”

More than 65 per cent of the total permanent resident landings were approved through provincial economic programs and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

“We work across government and with employers to assess labour market needs and are constantly evolving and developing new programs to help fill those demands,” said Ms. Metlege Diab.

Nova Scotia has the highest retention rate in the region at 71 per cent and works closely with settlement partners across the province.

“Delivering strong settlement support and services is an important part of welcoming newcomers to our province. These services help create communities where all can belong and grow,” says Jennifer Watts, CEO of Immigrant Services Association Nova Scotia.

A map to help newcomers and their networks find the settlement services that are being offered across the province is available at http://data.novascotia.ca .

More information on the Office of Immigration can be found at http://www.novascotiaimmigration.com .