Immigration Announcement
Atlantic Canada Aims to Boost Immigration Retention Through Better Jobs and Support
Atlantic Canada is at a turning point. The region has welcomed more newcomers than ever before in recent years. But there’s a growing concern: many immigrants are not staying long term. To change this trend, experts say the focus must shift from filling immediate labor gaps to creating long-lasting economic opportunities.
The challenge is clear, and the solution, while complex, begins with simple steps: better wages, support for skilled newcomers, and real opportunities to build a future in the region.
If you’re thinking about settling in Canada’s East Coast, or you’re already here and unsure about staying, here we break down what’s happening and what’s being done to make Atlantic Canada immigration retention a true success.
Why Immigrants Leave Atlantic Canada
Atlantic provinces like Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador have lower immigrant retention rates than the rest of Canada. Statistics Canada reports show that within just a few years, many newcomers leave the region, often heading to Ontario or British Columbia in search of higher-paying jobs and better career growth.
So, what’s pushing people away?
Here’s a look at some common reasons:
- Low wages compared to other provinces
- Seasonal work that doesn’t offer long-term security
- Difficulty getting foreign credentials recognized
- Fewer professional jobs in high-demand fields
- Limited support after landing
In Prince Edward Island, for example, the three-year immigrant retention rate only rose from 33.3% in 2017 to 43% in 2021, still the lowest in the country.
A New Direction: What Needs to Change
Economists and local leaders agree: short-term fixes aren’t enough. The goal must be economic transformation, creating an environment where people don’t just arrive, but stay and thrive.
Here are a few practical steps that can help boost Atlantic Canada immigration retention:
1. Create More Professional Jobs
Immigrants who arrive with experience in fields like healthcare, engineering, or education often find themselves working in entry-level roles. This mismatch pushes them to leave. Building a stronger job market means investing in high-skill sectors.
2. Make Credential Recognition Easier
Many newcomers already have the qualifications needed to work in their fields. The problem? Lengthy, expensive, and confusing credential assessments. Simplifying this process could help professionals enter the workforce faster.
3. Offer Incentives to Stay
Some experts suggest offering tax breaks or financial incentives for those who stay in the region for five years or more. But this only works if there are solid jobs available in the first place.
4. Support International Students
Thousands of international students study in Atlantic Canada each year. Keeping them in the region after graduation with work permits, clear paths to residency, and access to skilled jobs could boost population and productivity long term.
Current Economic Realities in the Region
Atlantic Canada’s economy still relies heavily on seasonal industries like tourism, fishing, and agriculture. While these jobs are important, they don’t always provide year-round income or long-term stability.
To hold onto newcomers, there needs to be a balance between:
| Short-Term Needs | Long-Term Growth Goals |
| Filling seasonal roles | Growing high-tech and healthcare |
| Quick settlement help | Career mentoring and job matching |
| Language support | Affordable housing and child care |
More people will stay if they can build careers, not just take jobs.
A Region Ready for Renewal
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, brings deep local knowledge to the table. As a Nova Scotia MP, she understands the unique challenges the East Coast faces.
With strong leadership and targeted action, there’s hope that Atlantic Canada can turn a corner and become more than a landing spot; it can become a permanent home.
Atlantic Canada Immigration Retention
The solution to low Atlantic Canada immigration retention isn’t only about attracting more people. It’s about building a region where people can stay, grow, and succeed. With better job opportunities, smoother credential recognition, and real long-term planning, the East Coast could soon become one of the best places in Canada for newcomers to call home.
The potential is there. Now it’s time to unlock it. Need help with your immigration journey to Atlantic Canada? Reach out to an experienced immigration professional who understands the latest changes and can guide you every step of the way.
