News release

Province Hosts International Careers Fair

Immigration (Jan. 2005 - Feb. 2021)

More than 350 skilled immigrants, international graduates and temporary foreign workers are on the job hunt.

The province is hosting the International Careers Fair, today March 6, that connects skilled immigrants, international post-secondary students and graduates to more than 70 businesses that are looking for highly specialized workers.

"Mega projects such as the shipbuilding and the Lower Churchill energy projects are changing the province's economic future," said Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Office of Immigration. "They will bring Nova Scotians back to our province, keep our young people from leaving and attract professional and innovative immigrants."

Over the next 10 years, Nova Scotia's working-age population will decline by 47,000 people and labour needs are changing.

"Our new immigration strategy, Welcome Home to Nova Scotia, is responding to the challenges," said Ms. More. "The strategy is our most ambitious and focussed immigration plan yet, and one of the most comprehensive strategies in the country.

"This fair is a great example of how we are working more closely with employers, community organizations and labour to ensure the province attracts immigrants whose skills are most needed in the workforce."

The immigration strategy will help fulfill the province's commitment to double the number of new immigrants arriving annually by 2020 and increase retention to 70 per cent. It complements the province's workforce strategy and jobsHere by targeting international workers with the technical skills and international contacts the province needs to become more innovative, productive and competitive.

Along with 90 business booths, the fair will also host a panel discussion with business leaders from Acadian Seaplants Limited, Citco, TecBox International Ltd., Kisserup, RBC-Atlantic Canada. Valerie Payn, president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, is moderating the panel discussion.

"Finding solutions to the changing labour needs of our province will be paramount as projects like Lower Churchill and the shipbuilding contract get underway, but businesses often don't know where to start or where to look for answers," said Ms. Payn. "It is great to hear more details on the province's immigration strategy and also from local businesses and business people who can share their experiences and expertise in these areas."

For more information on the fair, visit www.internationalcareersfair.ca .