Nova Scotia's Immigration Strategy
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On August 31, 2004, the Government of Nova Scotia released the discussion paper, A Framework for Immigration, to open a dialogue and encourage input into the development of a provincial strategy.

The framework outlined four key directions that are essential for a successful immigration policy in Nova Scotia.  These are:

• ensuring that a welcoming community awaits new arrivals
• attracting more immigrants to the province
• helping immigrants integrate into society
• retaining those who decide to make Nova Scotia their home

Stakeholder consultations were held throughout the province and Nova Scotians were asked to provide written feedback on the Framework. In total, 45 written submissions and 259 emails were received, 86 of which contained comments on the discussion paper.

Most of the responses received and comments made during the consultation process agreed that immigration is an important lever to address our future demographic and economic challenges.

Recommendations were made that the provincial government:

• organize immigration effectively
• provide dedicated resources for immigration
• coordinate immigration in one entity with a unique identity
• strengthen and streamline the Nova Scotia Nominee Program by clarifying the process and fee structure and adding new streams
• engage the federal government in addressing problems related to the immigration application process, inadequate client service, frustrations experienced in dealing with the CIC Call Centre, and concerns about the treatment of immigration applicants by overseas visa staff
• ensure that attraction is geared to real opportunity
• provide adequate support for settlement organizations
• consult with the Francophone community on attraction and integration of French-speaking immigrants
• be sensitive to the differences between women and men throughout the immigration experience
• involve communities
• focus on our strengths, such as our education system and making connections with existing immigrant communities who can act as “unofficial ambassadors”
• raise the profile of immigration and diversity in all communities and regions
• make accurate information available to potential immigrants before they arrive in Nova Scotia

Many of these suggestions have been incorporated into the strategy document and will be pursued as the strategy is implemented.