SYDNEY, N.S. — Even with the challenges of a global pandemic, the population of Nova Scotia inched closer to one million in 2020, largely due to immigration.
In July 2020, Nova Scotia's population reached an all-time high of 979,351 people. The population as of Oct. 1, 2020, was 979,115.
In 2020, the province approved a record number of applications for newcomers, setting the stage for population growth and economic recovery for the coming years. The province approved 3,517 applications, exceeding its allocation of 3,292, by focusing on skilled newcomers in essential services, such as health care and transportation, and those already living in Canada. These people and their families are expected to arrive over the next few years when travel and border restrictions ease and as the federal government processes their cases.
"While the pandemic has been a challenge, particularly with its impact on the mobility of immigrants, the office of immigration has continued to process applications and focus on essential services," said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. "Immigration will play an important role in our economy as we recover from this pandemic. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify labour needs in key essential service sectors and employers who need specialized skills and talent to create economic growth."
As of Oct. 31, 3,010 permanent residents had arrived in Nova Scotia this year, which is down compared to last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those, 69 per cent came under provincial programs, including 1,430 from the Provincial Nominee Program and 635 from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. In 2019, 7,580 permanent residents came to the province.
With a focus on essential services, many health-care professionals were attracted this year, including 624 continuing care assistants, 555 nurses and 21 physicians, who have arrived since March. Continuing care assistants and nurses are the two most approved foreign certified professionals since 2015.
Retaining international students after graduation is a priority for the province. This year, 1,018 international graduates who have chosen to live in Nova Scotia after their studies have been approved, a significant increase from 35 in 2014.
