Immigration Applications Top 1,000

More than 1,000 families have applied to come and live in the province since the Nova Scotia Nominee Program began in 2003, and the province is becoming more popular each year.

Statistics released today, Jan. 27, show that more than 70 per cent of the 1,000 families applied last year.

The number of families that the province nominated to the federal government for permanent resident status also increased by two-and-a-half-times in the past year, from 117 families in 2004 to 303 in 2005.

"The more people learn about the province, the more they understand what a great place it is to live, work and raise a family," Immigration Minister Rodney MacDonald said. "Marketing efforts have intensified, and our approval rates show we are reaching families with the interest and experience to succeed in the province."

More than 440 families -- or a total of about 1,700 newcomers -- have been nominated since 2003.

After getting approval from the province, families still need to receive Canadian visas. While that process takes more time, the number of families who have settled in Nova Scotia has also grown during the past six months.

At least 125 families associated with the nominee program are now living in 48 communities across the province.

Almost 75 per cent of the people applying under the nominee program are people with business experience.

Mr. MacDonald said the province continues to increase efforts, not only to attract immigrants but to help them settle and stay.

"In 2005, we more than doubled the amount of money available to settlement organizations and regional development authorities, providing funding for rural communities for the first time," Mr. MacDonald said. "I want to applaud our settlement and community groups for their excellent work, and pledge the province's continued support for their efforts."

Nova Scotia Nominee Program statistics are available on the Office of Immigration website at www.novascotiaimmigration.com .