Nova Scotia’s population has officially surpassed one million—a historic milestone fueled in large part by immigration, Maple News reports.
Since July 2021, the province has experienced record-breaking population growth, just one month after Canada lifted pandemic-era travel restrictions on approved permanent residents. This policy shift helped revive immigration flows that had been stalled since the border closed in March 2020.
“More people make us stronger in every way,” said Premier Tim Houston in a government release. “We all benefit from this growth with a greater tax base, new businesses and jobs, greater diversity and culture, and improved infrastructure.”
According to provincial data, Nova Scotia added 5,696 residents in the first quarter of 2021 alone—the largest first-quarter increase since 1971. Immigration continues to be a core driver, with newcomers arriving primarily from India, China, the Philippines, South Korea, and the United Kingdom in 2020.
Unlike other Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia boasts the region’s highest immigration retention rate at 71 percent—a notable achievement in a region where many newcomers tend to relocate in search of employment or larger urban centers.
Looking ahead, the province has ambitious plans to double its population to two million by 2060. This vision includes attracting 25,000 new residents annually through a mix of interprovincial migration and international immigration.
To meet this target, Nova Scotia is preparing to launch a $2.5 million marketing campaign designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and families. Key to this effort are targeted immigration programs such as the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and streams aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system, which offer pathways for individuals with strong language skills, education, and work experience.
Maple News notes that the province sees population growth not just as a demographic win, but as a catalyst for economic development and cultural enrichment. With the support of strategic immigration policies and community engagement, Nova Scotia is positioned to continue its upward growth trajectory in the years ahead.