Can Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab Reverse Atlantic Canada’s Immigrant Drain?
Atlantic Canada’s Growing Challenge: Keeping Immigrants From Leaving
Despite a rise in immigration numbers, Atlantic Canada continues to face a stubborn issue—retaining the newcomers it works so hard to attract.
New immigrants frequently choose provinces such as Ontario or Alberta after a few years, lured by stronger job markets, better career pathways, and more comprehensive integration support. This trend has prompted renewed calls for strategic change, especially now that Lena Metlege Diab, a Nova Scotia Member of Parliament, has taken over as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Her appointment offers fresh hope for Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), and Newfoundland and Labrador—which have long struggled to turn temporary immigration into permanent settlement.
Why Immigrants Keep Leaving Atlantic Provinces
Immigrants are often drawn to Atlantic Canada through programs designed to fill immediate labour shortages, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, hospitality, and tourism. But these sectors typically offer seasonal, low-wage jobs without much upward mobility.
“When you look at the wages and median incomes of newcomers, they’re quite low in the region,” said Dr. Herb Emery, regional economist at the University of New Brunswick. Many immigrants, especially skilled professionals, find limited options to advance their careers, pushing them toward provinces with stronger economies and more dynamic labour markets.
In fact, Prince Edward Island had the lowest immigrant retention rate in the country, although it did improve from 33.3% in 2017 to 43% by 2021. Still, these numbers underline a hard truth—many immigrants see Atlantic Canada as a stepping stone, not a final destination.
The Economic Hurdles: Not Just Jobs, But Quality of Life
The region’s economy is heavily reliant on seasonal industries that don’t always provide sustainable employment. Small business margins are thin, wages are lower than the national average, and professional growth is limited. This creates a cycle: immigrants come to fill labour gaps, but leave once better opportunities arise elsewhere.
Coupled with the out-migration of local youth seeking better prospects, the result is a shrinking labour force and a growing economic imbalance.
A Regional Voice in Ottawa: What Lena Metlege Diab Can Do
Lena Metlege Diab, being from Nova Scotia, brings a deep understanding of Atlantic Canada’s struggles. Advocates believe this local insight could influence national immigration policy in ways that finally serve the East Coast more effectively.
Her role will demand a delicate balance—advancing Canada’s overall immigration goals while crafting policies that truly reflect the economic and social realities of smaller provinces.
Building a Retention Strategy That Works
Experts say Atlantic Canada must pivot toward a long-term vision. Here’s how it can create a more attractive environment for newcomers:
1. Invest in High-Paying, Stable Sectors
Encouraging growth in industries like healthcare, IT, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing will offer immigrants real career paths. Halifax, for instance, is seeing momentum in the tech sector, with companies like IBM and REDspace hiring highly skilled professionals.
Expanding such economic opportunities across the region could anchor talent and reverse the migration tide.
2. Speed Up Credential Recognition
Many immigrants are underemployed due to delays in getting their foreign qualifications recognized. Doctors, engineers, and other professionals often end up in survival jobs. Streamlining this process through bridge programs and regulatory partnerships would allow skilled newcomers to contribute fully.
3. Support and Retain International Graduates
Universities in Atlantic Canada attract thousands of international students every year. These students could become permanent residents—if policies support their integration.
Customized post-graduation work permits, regional job placements, and permanent residency pathways are essential tools to convert students into long-term residents.
4. Offer Financial Incentives to Stay
Tax incentives for immigrants who remain in the region for five or more years could serve as a compelling reason to build their futures there. This would particularly benefit mid-to-high income earners and signal a long-term commitment to supporting immigrant families.
5. Expand Settlement Support Services
Community connection is key to retention. Programs like language training, cultural orientation, and mentorship are vital. Organizations like the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) already do excellent work—but need more funding and reach.
Interprovincial Trade Reform: Risk or Opportunity?
As Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, pushes to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, concerns are rising in smaller provinces.
While standardizing regulations could benefit the national economy, Dr. Emery warns that it might also lead to business migration from smaller provinces to more profitable urban hubs, worsening job shortages and reducing economic competitiveness in Atlantic Canada.
However, with the right infrastructure and innovation investments, these reforms could attract new businesses and industries to the East Coast.
A Defining Moment for Atlantic Canada
The immigration retention crisis in Atlantic Canada is not just a policy failure—it’s an economic and demographic alarm bell.
With Lena Metlege Diab at the helm, the region has a unique opportunity to reshape its future. But success will require bold action: diversifying the economy, streamlining integration, and offering real incentives to stay.
If these challenges are met head-on, Atlantic Canada could shift from being a transit point for immigrants to a true home—one rich in opportunity, culture, and long-term prosperity.
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