News Release

Canada and Nova Scotia Sign New Immigration Agreement

Halifax, September 19, 2007 — A new immigration agreement between the federal and provincial governments will make it easier to attract more skilled international workers to Nova Scotia.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and the Honourable Carolyn Bolivar‑Getson, Minister of Immigration for Nova Scotia, signed the first ever Agreement for Canada‑Nova Scotia Co‑operation on Immigration, which includes a renewal of the Provincial Nominee Program, during a ceremony today, September 19, at Pier 21.

“Canada’s New Government is proud to make this long‑term commitment to Nova Scotia,” said Minister Finley. “We want to help Nova Scotia grow economically by attracting new immigrants. Today’s agreement will help Nova Scotia share in the benefits of immigration to Canada, and will make our shared immigration programs more responsive to Nova Scotia’s unique needs.”

“This co­operation agreement builds on an existing positive relationship with federal immigration authorities,” said Ms. Bolivar­ Getson. “Changes to the nominee program such as the removal of the restrictions on the number of individuals we’re able to nominate, and making it easier and faster for temporary foreign workers to enter Nova Scotia, are just two of the areas that will make our province more attractive to immigrants and help Nova Scotia businesses meet their labour­market needs.”

Through the nominee program, the province nominates individuals for acceptance to Canada based on several categories including skilled worker, family business worker, community identified, and international graduate.

The new agreement means:

• Enhanced cooperation between Canada and Nova Scotia in overseas immigration marketing initiatives, including bringing temporary foreign workers and students to the province.
• Nova Scotia will be able to nominate more immigrants possessing the skills needed in the province, for quicker processing by the federal government.
• Nova Scotia will be able to address particular social, demographic, economic development and labour market needs.
• Nova Scotia and Canada will collaborate on information sharing, developing and implementing strategies to better integrate immigrants into the labour market, including the recognition of qualifications.

The agreement formalizes and builds on the existing collaborative relationship between Canada and Nova Scotia on immigration matters, including the delivery of settlement and integration services.  It also recognizes the importance of involving community stakeholders, including service providers, municipalities and the private sector, in welcoming newcomers.

Attracting more immigrants to Nova Scotia will help to counter declining population trends in communities and provide skilled workers who can meet the labour market needs of Nova Scotia businesses.

For an electronic copy of the agreements signed today, please visit www.cic.gc.ca or www.novascotiaimmigration.com.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Jon Stone
Director, Communications – Atlantic Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
902-426-1419

Mary Anna Jollymore
Director, Communications
Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
902-424-3742

Backgrounder

• Canada and Nova Scotia – improving cooperation on immigration