Immigration in small centres and rural areas

Small centres and rural areas are demographically distinct regions that require unique approaches to newcomer settlement, integration, and retention. While the majority (61%) of immigrants in Atlantic Canada live in large and medium centres, more than a third (39%) live in the region’s small centres and rural areas. Small centres and rural areas are typically less diverse and have proportionally fewer immigrants than larger population centres. Newcomers living in these areas can face greater obstacles to employment, housing, public transit, interpretation, and accessing public services. Settlement service providers can support immigrant retention in small centres and rural areas through intercultural awareness education, tailored settlement support, and by building bridges between newcomers and more established residents.