On This Page You Will Find:
- Ottawa’s pledge to increase Nova Scotia’s immigration quota
- Context of earlier cuts under Marc Miller
- Reactions and concerns from provincial and industry leaders
- Similar increases across other provinces
- Link to the upcoming 2026–2029 Immigration Levels Plan
Nova Scotia is set to see a major boost to its immigration allocation following Ottawa’s decision to reverse earlier cuts made under former immigration minister Marc Miller. The announcement, made by current federal immigration minister Lena Diab in Halifax on October 16, 2025, marks a clear shift in direction as Canada prepares to release its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan later this month.
Diab confirmed that the federal government will provide Nova Scotia with a “significant” increase in spots under its Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP). However, she did not specify when the additional allocations will take effect or how many new spots will be granted. The province’s quota was reduced sharply in January 2025, from 3,570 to 1,785 nominations, a move that drew strong criticism from business and industry groups across the province. At the time, the Construction Association of Nova Scotia called the cuts “short-sighted” and “irresponsible,” warning they would deepen existing labour shortages.
Speaking at a news conference in Halifax, Diab said she had met with provincial immigration ministers this week, all of whom requested higher allocations. “They all asked for it,” she said, noting that the federal government has reached or is negotiating new agreements with several provinces. Diab did not confirm whether Nova Scotia’s additional spots would be applied within the current year or as part of next year’s planning cycle.
The announcement follows a series of recent allocation increases for other provinces, including Manitoba, which received about 1,500 additional nominations after its own cuts earlier this year. New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have also negotiated higher allocations under their respective provincial nominee programs. These revisions signal Ottawa’s intent to ease the impact of earlier reductions that were introduced under Miller’s leadership, which many provinces argued limited their ability to fill critical labour gaps.
Nova Scotia’s immigration minister Nolan Young has not yet commented on the federal announcement, though discussions between the two levels of government are ongoing. The province’s program plays a key role in attracting skilled workers in healthcare, construction, education, and community services – sectors that continue to face workforce shortages.
With the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan expected at the end of the month, the federal government appears to be recalibrating its approach to better align national immigration targets with regional needs. For Nova Scotia, the promise of a “significant” increase – even without a confirmed timeline – offers optimism that the province will regain the capacity to attract the skilled newcomers essential to sustaining its economic growth.
FAQ
Why was Nova Scotia’s immigration allocation reduced earlier in 2025?
The former immigration minister, Marc Miller, reduced provincial allocations to moderate immigration levels and reassess program capacity. Nova Scotia’s quota was halved as part of this national adjustment.
What has the federal government announced now?
Minister Lena Diab announced that Nova Scotia will receive a “significant” increase to its Provincial Nominee Program allocation, though the exact number and timing have not been confirmed.
When will the new immigration spots take effect?
The federal government has not specified whether the additional spots will be applied in 2025 or as part of the 2026 allocation cycle. Details are expected in upcoming federal announcements.
Are other provinces also receiving increased allocations?
Yes. Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have all reached or are finalizing new agreements for higher immigration allocations.
What comes next for Canada’s immigration planning?
Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan will be released later this month and is expected to outline the country’s long-term immigration targets, including provincial allocations.
