The net number of interprovincial (between Nova Scotia and other provinces) migrants has fluctuated notably since the early seventies. Positive flows were recorded in the 1972 to 1975 period and the 1982 to 1984 period while negative flows were most notable in the 1977 to 1981 period, the 1985 to 1987 period and the 1993 to 1995 period. It is generally acknowledged that these flows reflect the overall level of job opportunities in this province versus the opportunities existing in Ontario and Western Canada and it is likely that this will continue to generate interprovincial flows in the future. The population projections used in this document incorporate an annual net outflow of 1,000 persons to other provinces. While this is a higher level than the average for the past decade, it is below the levels of 1994 and 1995.
Foreign emigration from Nova Scotia had been fairly stable from the mid seventies to the early nineties at approximately 500 per year, however, the annual numbers jumped to over 800 in the 1991-1995 period. The projections here assume an annual level of 700.
Foreign immigration to Nova Scotia has exhibited notable increases in the past five years. After averaging 1,200 per year during the eighties, the annual numbers steadily increased to reach 3,700 in 1995. The projection here incorporates an annual average of 2,100, a number which is probably on the low side, considering recent trends. Generally speaking, recent higher immigration levels will generate even more immigrants in future years, as new immigrants to Canada tend to settle in clusters of their previous nationalities.
Net foreign migration increased from 25% of the total Nova Scotia population growth in 1973, to 36% in 1980 and to 70% in 1995. Within the next decade any growth in the provincial population will likely be derived from net foreign migration.