Maple News reports that New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative government is stepping up its efforts to attract and retain immigrants as part of a broader population growth plan. Following their re-election on September 14, Premier Blaine Higgs reaffirmed his government’s five-year strategy aimed at revitalizing the province’s demographic and labour landscape.
The province previously set a goal of welcoming 7,500 new immigrants annually by 2024 — the federal cap at the time. Now, the Progressive Conservatives have raised the bar, targeting 10,000 newcomers per year by 2027. The move aligns with growing political consensus, as the opposing Liberal Party had also proposed similar immigration figures during the campaign.
Addressing a critical labour shortage fueled by a declining birth rate and an aging population, New Brunswick plans to leverage immigration as a long-term solution. Provincial forecasts suggest that more than 120,000 jobs could go unfilled over the next decade unless significant workforce reinforcements are made.
To support cultural diversity, the government also aims to ensure that francophone immigrants make up 33% of newcomers by 2024 — a target in line with the province’s current French-speaking population share. Although this milestone was originally intended to be met earlier, it remains a key focus moving forward.
Part of the province’s strategy includes boosting integration and retention. The party platform outlines a 75% retention rate goal over the next five years, emphasizing not just arrival but long-term settlement. Premier Higgs highlighted the importance of attracting immigrant families and providing them with compelling reasons to stay.
In addition, the province is actively investing in programs that connect newcomers and local youth with job opportunities in New Brunswick. One such initiative, FutureNB, has already linked over 1,000 students with 240 employers through experiential learning. The government plans to expand collaborations with colleges, universities, and professional associations to attract international students and skilled professionals.
Maple News notes that as one of Canada’s smaller provinces, New Brunswick is adopting a bold and forward-thinking immigration agenda not just to fill jobs, but to sustain communities, grow its economy, and preserve its cultural richness.
With strong bipartisan support and mounting demographic pressures, immigration is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping New Brunswick’s future.