Can New Immigration Minister Save Atlantic Canada Immigrant Exodus?

Atlantic Canada faces a persistent challenge: retaining immigrants.

Despite efforts to attract newcomers to provinces like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), and Newfoundland and Labrador, many leave within a few years, often for better opportunities elsewhere.

With Lena Metlege Diab, a Nova Scotia MP, appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship in 2025, experts are urging her to prioritize strategies to boost retention rates in the region.

Economist Herb Emery, Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics at the University of New Brunswick, emphasizes that better economic opportunities, credential recognition, and innovative policies are key to keeping immigrants in Atlantic Canada.

This article explores the region’s retention struggles, the economic factors driving out-migration, and actionable solutions to make east coast of Canada a permanent home for newcomers.

The Retention Problem in Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada’s immigrant retention rates lag behind the national average.

A Statistics Canada report highlights that immigrants intended for Atlantic provinces increasingly relocate to Ontario, drawn by stronger job markets and settlement support.

P.E.I. has the lowest retention rate in Canada, though recent data shows slight improvement.

Although, the province’s three-year retention rate rose from 33.3% in 2017 to 43% in 2021, according to P.E.I.’s population framework.

Still, these numbers reveal a troubling trend: many newcomers see Atlantic Canada as a temporary stop rather than a long-term home.

Why do immigrants leave?

The answer lies in the region’s economic structure.

Atlantic Canada has historically relied on immigration to fill immediate labour shortages, particularly in low-wage, seasonal industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

These jobs, while critical, often lack the upward mobility or competitive salaries that professionals seek.

As Emery said, “When you look at the wages and median incomes of newcomers, they’re quite low in the region.

Without opportunities to earn a sustainable living, immigrants, especially those with advanced skills or education, seek better prospects in provinces like Ontario or Alberta.

Economic Challenges: Low Wages and Limited Opportunities

Atlantic Canada’s economy is heavily seasonal and labour-intensive, with industries that often operate on thin profit margins.

This structure limits the region’s ability to offer high-paying, stable jobs that appeal to skilled immigrants.

Emery notes that the region has prioritized filling low-wage roles that Canadians are less likely to take, such as entry-level positions in hospitality or agriculture.

While this addresses short-term labour needs, it fails to create a sustainable workforce for the future.

The region’s aging population and high youth out-migration exacerbate the problem.

Young residents often move to provinces like Alberta or Ontario for better career prospects, leaving Atlantic Canada reliant on immigrants to maintain its workforce.

However, without long-term career opportunities, immigrants follow suit, contributing to the region’s brain drain.

Emery explains, “If you want to be a professional after a couple of years, the opportunities to integrate are better in other provinces, where they have better resources for settlement.”

The Role of the New Immigration Minister

Lena Metlege Diab’s appointment as immigration minister offers hope for Atlantic Canada.

As a Nova Scotia native, she understands the region’s unique challenges.

Emery believes her regional roots could drive policies tailored to Atlantic Canada’s needs, particularly in addressing retention.

Diab’s role will involve balancing national immigration goals with regional priorities, ensuring that Atlantic Canada isn’t left behind in Canada’s broader economic strategy.

Solutions to Boost Retention

To reverse the trend of low retention, Atlantic Canada must adopt a multi-faceted approach.

Here are key strategies to make the region more attractive to immigrants:

Create High-Value Economic Opportunities

The most effective way to retain immigrants is to offer competitive wages and career growth.

Emery emphasizes, “You need to provide opportunities to earn a good living.”

This means investing in industries that offer stable, high-paying jobs, such as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

By diversifying the economy beyond seasonal industries, Atlantic Canada can attract and retain professionals who might otherwise leave for urban centres

For example

Nova Scotia has seen growth in its tech sector, with companies like IBM and REDspace establishing a presence in Halifax.

Expanding these industries across the region could create a pipeline of high-skill jobs, appealing to both immigrants and local graduates.

Improve Credential Recognition

Many immigrants arrive with advanced education and professional experience but struggle to have their credentials recognized in Canada.

This forces skilled workers, such as doctors or engineers, into low-skill jobs, leading to frustration and out-migration.

Emery suggests prioritizing credential recognition programs to help immigrants work in their fields.

Streamlined processes, funding for bridging programs, and partnerships with professional associations could ensure newcomers can contribute their expertise to the region’s economy.
Support International Students

International students are a valuable resource for Atlantic Canada.

Universities like the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University, and Memorial University attract thousands of students annually, many of whom could stay if given the right incentives.

Emery advocates for policies to retain these graduates, such as post-graduation work permits tailored to regional needs or job placement programs.

By creating pathways to permanent residency and employment, Atlantic Canada can convert students into long-term residents.

Innovative Tax Incentives

Emery proposes creative tax policies to encourage long-term settlement.

For instance, offering tax credits to immigrants who remain in Atlantic Canada for five or more years could incentivize staying.