With one of the oldest populations in the country and declining birth rates, Atlantic Canada faces an urgent challenge that can be solved, in part, by welcoming immigrants, writes Atlantic Chamber CEO Rhonda Tulk-Lane. Photo by Glen Whiffen /Glen WhiffenArticle contentIt feels like I have been sent back to 2015, a time when I had to explain that immigration was a good thing! Unfortunately, here we go again.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentInfluences from the outside have stoked the protectionism fire at a time when Atlantic Canada stands at a demographic crossroads. With one of the oldest populations in the country and declining birth rates, our region faces an urgent challenge: how to sustain our businesses and secure our economic future. The answer, in large part, lies in welcoming more immigrants — not replacing Atlantic Canadians, but as partners in building a vibrant, prosperous future together.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentLet’s be clear — this is not about taking jobs from locals.Article contentIn fact, if every working-age person in Atlantic Canada were fully employed, we would most likely still face labour shortages in specific sectors. Health care, agriculture, hospitality and tech are currently searching to fill positions. These shortages hinder business growth, stall infrastructure development, and delay essential services. Immigration is not a nice to do — it’s a necessity for Atlantic Canada. And as for our aging infrastructure (transportation, housing, health care etc.), let’s not blame immigration for that, we saw this coming decades ago.Article contentArticle contentSkilled workers neededArticle contentArticle contentPrograms like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have helped address these shortages by attracting skilled workers tailored to regional needs. These programs have proven effective, yet recent federal decisions to reduce immigration allocations disproportionately harm Atlantic Canada, threatening our progress. We urge the government to reconsider these reductions and recognize that our demographic reality demands a different approach than the rest of Canada.Article contentArticle contentThis isn’t just about numbers — it’s also about embracing a diverse community. Immigrants bring new experiences, new ideas, and cultural richness to our towns and cities. They open businesses, raise families, volunteer, and breathe new life into schools and neighbourhoods. But we must do better at welcoming them. Retention rates in Atlantic Canada — especially in rural areas — remain low. Retention a shared responsibility. It means offering better support, services, and a genuine sense of belonging.Article contentArticle contentLocal Connector programsArticle contentArticle contentA great initiative for business leaders to get involved in supporting newcomers is the Connector Program. With programs in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador. I have recently signed up as a connector with AMAL Family and Youth Centre’s new connector program, to continue to welcome newcomers to my community.
COMMENTARY: Welcoming Growth: Why immigration is essential for Atlantic Canadas future
