Canada’s newly appointed Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, faces a pressing challenge as Atlantic Canada grapples with historically low immigrant retention rates. According to economist Herb Emery from the University of New Brunswick, the region must shift focus from filling immediate labour shortages to creating sustainable, high-paying professional opportunities. Recent Statistics Canada data reveals concerning trends, particularly in Prince Edward Island, which maintains the country’s lowest retention rate despite modest improvements. Experts emphasize that better economic opportunities, credential recognition support, and potential tax incentives could be key strategies to encourage long-term settlement in the Atlantic provinces.
Atlantic Canada seeks economic transformation to address the immigration retention challenge
