Atlantic Canada immigrant retention has become a growing concern for policymakers, communities, and immigration experts alike. Despite successful efforts in attracting newcomers to the region—especially Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), and Newfoundland and Labrador—too many immigrants leave within a few years. The reason? Limited economic opportunity, poor credential recognition, and weak integration support.

Now, with the appointment of Lena Metlege Diab as Canada’s new Immigration Minister, there’s hope for a fresh, regional approach to fixing this trend.

Why Immigrants Are Leaving Atlantic Canada

The key challenge in Atlantic Canada immigrant retention is economic structure. The region historically relies on immigration to fill immediate labour shortages, mostly in low-wage and seasonal industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and hospitality. While these sectors are essential, they lack the career growth skilled immigrants often seek.

According to recent Statistics Canada data, P.E.I. had a three-year retention rate of only 43% in 2021, even after some improvement from previous years. Other Atlantic provinces fared slightly better, but none met the national average. Immigrants often relocate to Ontario or Alberta where job markets are more vibrant and integration support is stronger.

Economist Herb Emery from the University of New Brunswick highlights that immigrants’ average incomes in the region are significantly lower than those in central Canada, which further fuels out-migration.

The Role of Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab

As a Nova Scotia native, Lena Metlege Diab understands the unique challenges of the East Coast. Her appointment as Immigration Minister presents a rare opportunity for regionally focused policies. Experts urge her to craft strategies that not only bring newcomers in but also make them want to stay.

Her regional familiarity could lead to investments in infrastructure, targeted support for immigrants, and better integration mechanisms.

What Needs to Be Done: Retention Strategies That Work

Improving Atlantic Canada immigrant retention requires a coordinated effort across several fronts:

1. Expand High-Paying Job Opportunities

To retain talent, Atlantic Canada must grow its economy beyond seasonal sectors. Investing in technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing will create career paths with upward mobility. Halifax, for example, has seen tech growth with companies like REDspace and IBM, which can be scaled to other Atlantic cities.

2. Fix Credential Recognition

Many internationally trained professionals are underemployed because their credentials aren’t recognized. Creating faster, regionally supported bridging programs will help newcomers work in their trained fields—from engineering to healthcare—within months rather than years.

3. Retain International Students

Atlantic Canada’s universities, such as Dalhousie, UNB, and Memorial, attract thousands of international students each year. But many leave after graduation. Offering regional post-graduation work permits and permanent residency pathways could convert students into long-term residents.

4. Offer Settlement Support

Newcomers need more than a job—they need a community. Enhanced services like affordable housing, cultural programs, childcare support, and language training are vital to making immigrants feel at home. Groups like ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia) already offer strong support but need more resources to expand region-wide.

5. Use Incentives to Encourage Long-Term Stay

Tax credits or financial bonuses for immigrants who stay in Atlantic Canada for five years or more could make a meaningful difference, especially for high-income professionals. This shows that the region values its newcomers and supports their long-term success.

Potential Risks on the Horizon

The federal government’s plan to remove interprovincial trade barriers could further hurt Atlantic Canada if not handled carefully. Larger provinces with “thicker labour markets,” like Ontario, could attract even more business investment, draining economic potential from smaller regions. Without strong retention policies, Atlantic Canada could face deeper population and labour challenges.

How ICC Immigration Helps Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex, especially when trying to make the right long-term decision. ICC Immigration is committed to helping you choose strategic, reliable pathways to secure your future in Canada.

Our immigration services include:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Support for Express Entry, PNPs, and other programs to ensure smooth and efficient application processing.

• Work and Study Permits: Assistance in accessing temporary pathways that lead to long-term PR.

• Family Sponsorships: Helping families reunite and apply together under Canada’s immigration programs.

• Legal Guidance: Our legal experts ensure full compliance with Canadian immigration laws, reducing risk and maximizing approval chances.

Rather than taking uncertain routes like asylum claims, ICC Immigration provides professional, ethical guidance to make your Canadian dream a reality.

Final Thoughts

Atlantic Canada immigrant retention is not just a regional issue—it’s a national concern. The East Coast holds incredible potential as a diverse, dynamic, and welcoming region. But without long-term opportunities, robust integration support, and innovative policy changes, immigrants will continue to view it as a temporary stop on their Canadian journey.

With bold leadership from Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and support from experts like ICC Immigration, Atlantic Canada can turn the tide. A thriving, immigrant-friendly future is within reach—if we act now.