Recent stats from Statistics Canada reveal a big win for Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) when it comes to keeping newcomers. While some provinces are seeing fewer immigrants stick around, Atlantic Canada’s retention rates are climbing, marking a promising trend for these coastal regions.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Using data from the 2022 Longitudinal Immigration Database, the study shows how many immigrants continue to live in the province they initially chose as their new home, both one and five years after arriving in Canada.
While Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have traditionally seen the highest number of newcomers making a long-term home, with retention rates over 84%, Atlantic Canada is catching up, showing significant improvements in keeping its newcomers.
In contrast, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have seen a decrease in retention rates, with notable drops over the past few years.
The Rise of Atlantic Canada
What’s happening in Atlantic Canada is noteworthy. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have seen increases in retention rates for immigrants admitted in 2016, with New Brunswick hitting a five-year high at 56% and PEI improving to 30.9%, despite still being the lowest in Canada.
Interestingly, Newfoundland and Labrador’s one-year retention rate jumped from 55% for those admitted in 2016 to 66.4% for those admitted in 2020, showing a growing appeal for newcomers.
Skilled Workers Find a Place in the Atlantic
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP), launched in 2019, seems to be a game-changer, especially for skilled workers. Following the AIP’s introduction, Nova Scotia saw its skilled worker retention rate soar to 63.9% in 2020 from just 21.5% in 2016. New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also reported significant increases.
The AIP, designed to match foreign nationals with job vacancies in Atlantic provinces, offers newcomers a job and a personalized plan for settling into their new community, proving to be an effective strategy in boosting retention.
Why Staying Matters
Retaining economic immigrants is crucial for addressing local labor shortages, especially in regions that struggle to maintain a robust workforce. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) play a significant role in attracting immigrants suited to local needs, offering a pathway for provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency.
Despite the drop in retention rates among skilled immigrants arriving through PNPs, those coming through the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class or caregiver pilot programs showed very high retention, highlighting the importance of matching newcomers with the right opportunities and support networks.
Key Takeaways
Atlantic Canada’s improving retention rates signal a promising shift, demonstrating the region’s growing appeal to newcomers. With targeted programs like the AIP and supportive community networks, these provinces are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for immigrants seeking new opportunities in Canada.
This trend not only benefits the immigrants finding a new place to call home but also supports the local economies and communities in Atlantic Canada, showcasing the power of thoughtful immigration policies and community support in shaping the future of Canada’s diverse landscape.
