Atlantic Economic Council calls on federal government to reconsider immigration targets for Atlantic Canada 

MARCH 20, 2025 (HALIFAX) - Research by the Atlantic Economic Council released to media today examines the latest immigration data for Atlantic Canada and expects a constraint on economic growth for 2025 and beyond.  

The Council reports that Atlantic Canada saw record immigration levels in 2024, which drove rapid population increase in the region’s biggest cities. The spike helped strengthen the labour supply in some regions and boosted overall economic growth.  

By contrast, these population gains contributed to ongoing challenges in the housing market, which is still dealing with the significant increase in construction costs and supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic. On a positive note, data for 2024 show an increase in housing starts, indicating the steps taken by governments to address the housing shortage are working. Access to affordable housing, however, remains a concern.  

“Atlantic Canada needs immigrants to support our economy and workforce. The fact is, more people are dying than being born in Atlantic Canada; our population simply cannot sustain our economy on its own,” said David Chaundy, President and CEO of the Atlantic Economic Council.  

The impact of immigration in 2024 underscores the importance of population growth for our region’s economy. Notably, the Council expects new federal immigration policies, aimed to ease pressure on housing demand and other services, will have several negative implications for the region's economy, workforce and population in the upcoming year. 

“Our economy needs federal immigration policies that support each province’s labour market needs. That, coupled with availability of housing and settlement services will help newcomers, and in turn, our economy, thrive,” said Chaundy.  

The interdependence of population growth, immigration targets and supply of housing and other support services underscores the need for right-sized, regionally-focused policies. “We need national policies to account for the unique attributes and needs of our region; a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work,” noted Chaundy. 

The Atlantic Economic Council is the independent, non-profit economic and policy research organization for Atlantic Canada that provides insights and ideas that promote a healthy, inclusive and sustainable economy for the region. For more information, visit AtlanticEconomicCouncil.ca.

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Media Contact:  
Erin Esiyok
(902) 403-2693
erin@atlanticeconomiccouncil.ca