Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is boosting by 40.8 per cent the number of immigrants Nova Scotia will be allowed to welcome to its shores through its Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. 

“Nova Scotia is a special place and we are excited that more and more people see a future for themselves and their families here,” said provincial Immigration Minister Jill Balser. 

“Population growth is vital to our economic success. We have been preparing for growth, working with employers, communities and settlement organizations to get ready for more people to call Nova Scotia home.”

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400 More Through NSNP, 1,173 More Through AIP In 2021

This year, the Atlantic Canadian province can approve a total of 5,430 applicants, up from 3,857 in 2021, to settle in Nova Scotia with their families.

That includes:

• 400 more nomination spaces through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), or 17 per cent more than last year, and;
• 1,173 more endorsement spaces in the AIP, a whopping 75 per cent more than in 2021.

Last year, IRCC data shows the province welcomed a record-breaking 9,045 new permanent residents.

Almost a third, 29.5 per cent or 2,675, of these new permanent residents, came through the AIP. Another 25.2 per cent, or 2,280 new permanent residents, came to the province through the NSNP.

But Nova Scotia, which is facing labour shortages, wants to greatly increase immigration and has earmarked funds to recruit more skilled workers from around the world.

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The province’s latest budget included an additional $1 million for immigration and population growth marketing campaigns, $895,000 more for six new navigators and four new program officers to support newcomer arrivals and immigration programs, and $1.4 million more for settlement services in communities across Nova Scotia.

Aided by Ottawa’s bullish stance on immigration, the province seems to be on track to hit its goal of boosting immigration again this year. 

In the first four months of this year, Nova Scotia has welcomed 1,070 new permanent residents through the AIP, putting it on track to receive 3,210 new permanent residents through that program if the current trends hold up for the rest of the year. 

That would be an increase in new permanent residents of 20 per cent through the AIP. 

Boost To Allotment Does Not Even Include Extra Ukrainians 

During that time period, the province has also welcomed 1,425 new permanent residents through its NSNP, putting it on track to welcome 4,275 under that program if the current trends continue throughout the year. 

That would be an increase in new permanent residents of 87.5 per cent over the number who came to the province through the provincial nominee program last year.

The IRCC’s allotment to the province does not include the unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees who could come to the province through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

It allows Ukrainians to stay in Canada for up to three years and be eligible for free open work and study permits.

In December last year, Nova Scotia hit a population milestone: one million residents.

“Reaching the one million mark is a significant moment in our province’s history. After years of a declining population, the world is learning how special Nova Scotia is; we have momentum and are growing,” Premier Tim Houston reportedly said.

“More people make us stronger in every way. We all benefit from this growth with a greater tax base, new businesses and jobs, greater diversity and culture and improved infrastructure. I ask our citizens, employers, communities, schools and workplaces to open their arms to new Nova Scotians and provide a warm welcome to all who choose our spectacular province as their home.”