Halifax — Nova Scotia unveiled a strategy Wednesday to attract and retain thousands of new immigrants to the province.
The government of Progressive Conservative Premier John Hamm said it wanted to more than double the number of immigrants who move to Nova Scotia by 2010, adding that it's aiming for 3,600 people a year.
The government also would like to have 70 per cent of those immigrants make the province their permanent home.
“The evidence is clear that a strong record of attracting and retaining skilled immigrants is a vital contributor to long-term prosperity and economic growth,” Dr. Hamm said.
The plan also included components to market and promote Nova Scotia as an immigration destination, and to help newcomers to integrate into society.
The government said it is also looking for help from service organizations, businesses, professional organizations, and labour groups.
Wednesday's launch of the new program in Halifax included the swearing-in ceremony for Immigration Minister Rodney MacDonald, the province's first.
“We are committing significant resources to promote immigration and settlement,” Mr. MacDonald said.
“We're determined to make our province the most immigrant-friendly place in Canada.”
