Joint Letter to The Hon. Marc Miller re Atlantic Immigration Program

February 27, 2025

The Hon. Marc Miller,
Minister Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
365 Laurier Ave. W
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1


Dear Minister Miller,
We write to express concerns about recent reductions in immigration allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). These cuts disproportionately impact Atlantic Canada, a region that relies on tailored immigration policies to address its unique economic and demographic challenges. We urge the federal government to collaborate with provincial governments and regional economic partners to ensure immigration policies reflect Atlantic Canada’s distinct needs.

Atlantic Canada’s Unique Immigration Needs
The AIP was created to address the region’s lower immigration rates and retention challenges compared to the national average. Recognizing these differences, the federal government, in partnership with provincial governments, designed a program that successfully attracted skilled workers while supporting employers and communities. The program's success demonstrates the effectiveness of a region-specific approach.

Reports from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, including an initial study titled "Immigration to Atlantic Canada: Moving to the Future," presented during the 42nd Parliament in November 2017, highlighted the intent for AIP and PNP to be primary drivers of immigration to our region.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce points to a report by the Atlantic Economic Council entitled Immigration trends in Atlantic Canada, published on March 19, 2024 to present that despite the success in attracting immigrants, Atlantic Canada has faced challenges in retaining them. Over the past five years, retention levels have not shown significant improvement with retention rates hovering between 50-60%. Immigrants tend to settle in urban centers, leaving rural communities struggling with population decline and workforce shortages. Without adequate support, these trends threaten the sustainability of key industries, including healthcare, construction, education, agriculture and food services.

 Ultimately, a collaborative approach across all Atlantic provinces has been a cornerstone of the AIP's success. As the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities emphasized in 2022 when the program became permanent, "The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a prime example of what we can achieve as governments when we work together. Immigration is key to Atlantic Canada’s long-term economic prosperity, and through sustained, ongoing federal-provincial collaboration, we can ensure that the now-permanent Atlantic Immigration Program remains a resounding success."


The Impact of Allocation Reductions
The recent 50% cut in immigration allocations for Atlantic Canada is a serious concern. At a time when economic growth, labor shortages, and public service sustainability depend on increased population levels, reducing these allocations is counterproductive. These cuts will negatively affect industries vital to our economy and limit the region’s ability to attract and retain the talent needed for long-term prosperity.

We believe it is too early to adopt such extensive stabilization measures. Instead, we look forward to ongoing collaboration between the business community, society, provincial governments, and the Government of Canada. Together, we aim to safeguard our public services and promote responsible, effective population growth.


Our Request
We urge the federal government to recognize Atlantic Canada’s unique immigration needs and work collaboratively with provincial governments, chambers of commerce, and boards of trade to find sustainable solutions. Specifically, we request:

• A structured dialogue between federal and provincial governments, along with key stakeholders, to develop a strategic approach that improves retention and supports population growth.
• A reconsideration of recent allocation reductions, ensuring they do not undermine the economic stability and workforce sustainability of the region.
• A policy carve-out for Atlantic Canada, ensuring tailored immigration targets that reflect the region’s realities and long-term workforce needs.