Groups condemn Ottawa for slashing programs N.S. uses to bring newcomers to province
The recent drastic cuts to immigration programs in Ottawa have sparked concerns among industries in Nova Scotia, particularly the construction and hospitality sectors. These industries have heavily relied on newcomers to fill hard-to-fill jobs, and the reduction in immigration numbers is expected to have a devastating impact on their workforce.
Ottawa announced last fall that it would slash the number of immigrants coming to Canada, but the extent of those reductions was only communicated recently. Nova Scotia’s two main immigration programs will see a significant decrease in the number of people they can bring to the province. The total allocation for both programs has been cut from 6,300 to 3,150, with the Nova Scotia Nominee Program being reduced from 3,570 people to 1,785, and the Atlantic Immigration Program only accepting 1,365 people in 2025, compared to 2,730 in previous years.
Duncan Williams, CEO of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, expressed his disappointment at the cuts, calling them “short-sighted” and “irresponsible.” He emphasized the need for skilled immigrants in Nova Scotia’s workforce, especially in the construction industry. Williams highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in the province and how reducing immigration numbers will only worsen the situation by bringing in people who need housing instead of those who can build it.
Similarly, bar and restaurant owners are concerned about the impact of the cuts on their businesses. The hospitality industry has relied heavily on foreign workers to staff their establishments, and the reduction in numbers is expected to have a detrimental effect. Janick Cormier, Atlantic vice-president for Restaurants Canada, stated that reducing staff numbers will lead to businesses operating at a loss or barely breaking even, forcing them to cut hours or even close their doors.
Despite the challenges posed by the cuts, Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Nolan Young expressed readiness to work within the new allotment. He mentioned the need to fill the labor shortage in the province with construction workers and healthcare professionals. The federal minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship also hinted at the possibility of additional allocation for provinces committed to collaborating on shared priorities like supporting asylum seekers.
Overall, the cuts to immigration programs in Ottawa are expected to have far-reaching consequences on Nova Scotia’s economy, particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors. The province will need to adapt to the new numbers and find alternative solutions to address the labor shortage and support industries that heavily rely on newcomers.
