Record-setting year for immigration

Nova Scotia continues to surpass previous immigration records as the population exceeded one million.

The province approved 4,100 applications, with a focus on attracting skilled newcomers to essential services used by Nova Scotians, such as healthcare, transportation, skilled trades, education and hospitality.

In addition to strong immigration numbers, Nova Scotia experienced its sixth year of increased inter-provincial migration growth.

Since 2015, inter-provincial migration has been increasing, leading to nearly 10,000 net new people coming to Nova Scotia from other provinces and territories in 2020-21.

“Nova Scotia is rapidly growing, and with planned growth comes many opportunities,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Newcomers fuel our economy, create new businesses and jobs, fill labour gaps and add to the diversity and culture in our communities. As we look ahead to 2022, we will continue to attract, welcome and retain global talent to enrich our province and create further economic growth.”

As of October 31, 6,169 permanent residents arrived in Nova Scotia this year, up from 3,001 over the same period last year. In 2019, Nova Scotia saw its highest number of immigrants landing in one year 7,580, and despite the pandemic,

2021 is on track to exceed that number.