Let’s be clear—this is not about taking jobs from locals.

In fact, if every working-age person in Atlantic Canada were fully employed, we would most likely still face labour shortages in specific sectors. Healthcare, agriculture, hospitality, and tech are currently searching to fill positions. These shortages hinder business growth, stall infrastructure development, and delay essential services. Immigration is not a nice to do —it’s a necessity for Atlantic Canada. And as for our aging infrastructure (transportation, housing, healthcare etc.), let’s not blame immigration for that, we saw this coming decades ago!

Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have helped address these shortages by attracting skilled workers tailored to regional needs. These programs have proven effective, yet recent federal decisions to reduce immigration allocations disproportionately harm Atlantic Canada, threatening our progress. 

We urge the government to reconsider these reductions and recognize that our demographic reality demands a different approach than the rest of Canada.

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about embracing a diverse community. Immigrants bring new experiences, new ideas, and cultural richness to our towns and cities. They open businesses, raise families, volunteer, and breathe new life into schools and neighbourhoods. But we must do better at welcoming them. Retention rates in Atlantic Canada—especially in rural areas—remain low. Retention is a shared responsibility. It means offering better support, services, and a genuine sense of belonging.

A great initiative for business leaders to get involved in supporting newcomers is the Connector Program. With programs in NS, NB, PEI and NL. I have recently signed up as a Connector with AMAL Family and Youth Centre’s new connector program, to continue to welcome newcomers to my community.

To the people of Atlantic Canada: your work ethic, resilience, and sense of community are the bedrock of our region. Immigration doesn’t diminish that—it strengthens it. Growth doesn't have to come at the cost of our tradition. By welcoming newcomers, we ensure that our values, industries, and communities continue to thrive for generations to come.

Now is the time for the federal government to examine regional differences and implement policies that reflect them. Let’s work together to ensure Atlantic Canada remains not only a beautiful place to live—but a sustainable, forward-looking one. Immigration is not the problem. It’s part of the solution. If we do not get this right, can the last Atlantic Canadian, please turn off the lights off on your way out!