Maple News reports that job opportunities are the most decisive factor influencing whether immigrants remain in Nova Scotia or seek opportunities elsewhere. A recent study analyzing the experiences of 2,815 immigrants who either stayed in or left the province between 2011 and 2018 found that 46% of those who left did so due to employment challenges. These included difficulties in finding a job or securing one that matched their skills and qualifications.
The study, conducted by Ather Akbari of Saint Mary’s University for Nova Scotia’s immigration department, revealed that while 74% of immigrants who arrived during the seven-year period chose to stay, a further 10% indicated plans to leave within the next five years. This trend highlights an ongoing challenge for Nova Scotia: retaining skilled newcomers in a competitive interprovincial market.
The primary motivations cited by those who left or considered leaving the province were better employment prospects, higher wages and lower taxes elsewhere, and improved access to healthcare. Some participants also noted experiences of workplace discrimination as factors in their decision.
Demographic analysis showed that younger, single immigrants were more likely to leave, although education levels and gender did not significantly influence retention. This suggests social and economic integration plays a critical role in immigrant settlement decisions beyond academic or demographic profiles.
When choosing Nova Scotia as a destination, over 40% of immigrants said their decision was based on job opportunities and cost of living. The remainder made their decision based on social considerations such as quality of life, community safety, and family-friendliness. However, when asked to rank factors by importance, employment, quality of life, and safety consistently came out on top. Services like language training and community-based resources ranked lowest in importance.
The report recommends that policymakers focus efforts on improving retention among economic-class immigrants, who currently show the lowest rates of long-term settlement. Emphasizing whole-family immigration, particularly for those arriving with spouses and children, may enhance integration and reduce out-migration.
According to Maple News, these findings underscore the importance of coordinated employment strategies, improved healthcare access, and anti-discrimination measures to help Nova Scotia compete with other Canadian provinces in attracting and retaining global talent.