WWICS Blog

7,200 Immigrants to be attracted by Nova Scotia annually
‘Welcome Home to Nova Scotia’ strategy launched
Posted on : 9 May, 2011

In a bid to tackle the skilled manpower crunch in Nova Scotia, the province is all geared to increase immigration and aims at doubling the number of immigrants arriving in the province.

Confirming the development, Nova Scotia’s Premier, Darrell Dexter, said that Nova Scotia is planning to attract approximately 7,200 immigrants annually. He added that to counter the crunch, the province will need to issue at least 1,500 certificates under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program.

Presently, the total number of certificates that Nova Scotia can issue as per the Government of Canada is only 500.

In tune with the approach to encourage immigration, the province of Nova Scotia has also launched a unique strategy entitled, ‘Welcome Home to Nova Scotia’.

Being termed as the most ambitious, comprehensive and focused immigration plan of Nova Scotia, ‘Welcome Home to Nova Scotia’ primarily aims at complimenting jobs by targeting international workers with the technical skills and international contacts. Premier Darrell Dexter said, “Under the scheme, it would be ensured that potential immigrants understand they are welcome and valued in Nova Scotia and that this province wants them to stay and build a life here."

To ensure that the strategy meets its goals, an additional funding of $ 790,000 is being kept aside for immigration efforts.

Besides, welcoming the immigrants, this new strategy would also entail improved settlement programs, quicker recruiting of temporary foreign workers for Canadian employers, add more protections for temporary foreign workers and enhance programs which encourage workers to make Nova Scotia their permanent home.

Delighted with the welcoming approach of the Nova Scotia immigration authorities, Col BS Sandhu (Retd.), CMD, WWICS said, “‘Welcome Home to Nova Scotia’ is an extremely welcome step as till date Canada is by far the most popular immigration destination amongst aspirants.”

He added that the strategy would work not just for the province by making it more innovative, productive and competitive- even the immigrants planning to settle in Nova Scotia would benefit manifold.