News Room

Nova Scotia sets stage for economic recovery with increased levels of immigration

Jan 13, 2021

Nova Scotia approved an increasing number of immigrants in 2020, paving the way for economic recovery over the next few years.

A total of 3,517 immigration candidates were approved last year, many of whom are either skilled in essential services, such as healthcare workers, or already living in Canada. Those who currently live abroad are expected to arrive in Canada once coronavirus-related travel restrictions are eased.

The focus on essential services this year means that many healthcare workers were retained in the province, such as care assistants, nurses and physicians.

The immigration levels were lower in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. Despite this, Nova Scotia continued to process applications through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). The province’s immigration minister Lena Diab recognizes the crucial role that continued immigration will play in Nova Scotia’s post-pandemic economic recovery and growth.