The combination of the Provincial Nominee Program and a new federal pilot project points to another strong year for attracting skilled immigrants to Nova Scotia in 2017.
“Immigration is a key priority for the government,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Immigrants help to drive our economy from one end of the province to the other with their energy and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Under the Provincial Nominee Program, Nova Scotia will be allocated 1,350 nominations for 2017. The province also has a further 800 nominations through the new federal Atlantic Immigration Pilot program. Combined, this totals a record 2,150 potential nominations.
“The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is another tool employers can use to help fill jobs where they have persistent labour gaps,” said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “Immigration is key for Nova Scotia to help us support our labour market, grow our economy and build our tax base.”
Preliminary figures through the end of October 2016 show that 4,853 newcomers came to Nova Scotia last year, the highest number of arrivals since the end of the Second World War.
“We remain focused on attracting and retaining new immigrants in our beautiful province,” said Ms. Diab. “Our office is here to help employers navigate the immigration system, both the pilot and our existing immigration streams.”
Employers with labour gaps should contact the Office of Immigration at 1-877-292-9597.
Source: Release