Nova Scotia Set for Major Immigration Boost After Recent Program Cuts

The federal government will restore and increase the number of immigrants that Nova Scotia can bring in to help fill job shortages. The announcement came after Ottawa had reduced those numbers earlier this year, drawing criticism from business and community leaders.

Lena Diab, the federal minister of immigration, shared the news at a press conference in Halifax on Thursday. She said Nova Scotia will see a “significant amount” of new spaces added to its provincial nominee program, which helps skilled workers and professionals settle permanently in Canada.

What the Program Does

The provincial nominee program lets provinces select immigrants who have the right skills, education, or work experience to meet local labour needs. It gives newcomers a path to permanent residency while supporting industries struggling to find workers.

Earlier this year, Ottawa cut Nova Scotia’s allocation in half—from 3,570 spots to 1,785. That decision angered many local groups, especially those representing businesses facing worker shortages.

At the time, Duncan Williams, CEO of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, called the move “short-sighted” and “irresponsible.” He said the province needs more workers, not fewer, to support construction and economic growth.

Provinces Push Back

This week, Minister Diab met with her counterparts from across Canada. Every province asked for more immigration spaces under their respective nominee programs. “They all asked for it,” she said.

While Diab did not share the exact number of new spaces Nova Scotia will get, she confirmed that Ottawa plans to expand provincial allocations under existing agreements. The goal is to help provinces attract workers in key industries such as construction, health care, and technology.

Other Provinces Also Benefit

Nova Scotia isn’t the only province seeing an increase. Manitoba recently announced it received about 1,500 extra nomination spots after facing a similar 50 per cent cut earlier in the year. Other provinces, including New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, have also reached new deals to raise their immigration numbers.

The decision marks a major shift in federal immigration planning. Earlier cuts were made to balance overall immigration targets, but many provinces argued that their economies could not grow without more workers. The new changes aim to balance both national and local needs.

Economic Impact

For Nova Scotia, this increase could ease pressure on several industries struggling to find staff. Employers across the province have raised concerns about empty positions, especially in construction, health services, and hospitality.

More immigration spots mean more skilled workers coming to the province, more families settling down, and more growth for local communities. Many see this as a positive step toward supporting Nova Scotia’s economy and future population growth.

Minister Diab’s announcement brings renewed optimism to both employers and newcomers hoping to call Nova Scotia home.