Maple News reports that a recent study by The Harris Centre at Memorial University highlights a growing labour challenge in Atlantic Canada, where employers are struggling to fill roles due to a lack of qualified applicants. The report, titled “Employer Attitudes Towards Hiring Newcomers and International Students in the Atlantic Provinces,” explores the underlying issues in recruiting and retaining talent in this eastern region of Canada.
The Atlantic region—comprising New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—has seen a positive trend in employers’ experiences with immigrant and international student workers. Among employers who had received applications from newcomers, over half extended job offers, with 88% expressing satisfaction with immigrant hires. These workers were frequently described as hard-working, skilled, and dependable.
Despite the favorable sentiment, Atlantic Canada faces a significant hurdle: retaining newcomers long-term. The region is experiencing a demographic shift, with low birth rates and an aging population contributing to a shrinking workforce. Additionally, many international students and immigrants leave the region after graduation or short-term employment, often in pursuit of broader career opportunities elsewhere in Canada.
While the overall share of immigrants settling in Atlantic Canada has been on the rise—from 3% of Canada’s newcomers in 2010 to 5% in 2016—the region still receives fewer newcomers than its population share would suggest. In response, governments and stakeholders have launched targeted programs to attract and retain talent. One major initiative is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, introduced in 2017, which aims to simplify immigration processes for employers and connect them with skilled foreign workers.
The pilot program has shown early success. Immigration to the region rose by 22% in 2018 and 26% in 2019, signaling a strengthening commitment to regional growth through immigration. Institutions, policy makers, and employers are increasingly aligned in addressing the complex factors that discourage long-term settlement, including economic integration and career advancement opportunities.
Maple News emphasizes that while Atlantic Canada holds promise for newcomers and international students, sustainable retention strategies—spanning job creation, social integration, and support services—are key to securing the region’s future economic vitality.