If you live in New Brunswick, Canada’s recent federal immigration cuts are creating roadblocks for your local economy. Business and community leaders in Saint John say the national policy fails to address local realities. The federal government slashed immigration numbers to ease housing and infrastructure pressures in major urban centers. However, local experts argue this blanket approach harms regions that desperately need population growth. You will notice the impact as local businesses struggle to find workers.

A Call for Regional Planning

Andrew Beckett is the chief executive officer of Envision Saint John. He recently spoke at a state of the economy event and highlighted the flaw in the current federal strategy.

“Our concern is that a national approach has been taken to the immigration numbers,” Beckett told CBC News. “We would contend that it should be more on a regional basis.”

Beckett emphasized that population growth remains critical for the local workforce and the future of New Brunswick communities. Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon echoed this sentiment. She pointed out the stark contrast between Saint John and larger Canadian cities.

“Maybe places like Toronto and wherever say ‘Look, we’re bursting at the seams with people’ but we aren’t bursting at the seams,” Reardon said. “We’re a big province geographically and we’re not even up to a million people yet.”

Economic Momentum Requires a Workforce

Saint John recently secured major economic wins. Port Saint John completed a massive west side modernization project. This development catalyzed 750 million dollars in private sector investments. Lana Asaff is an economist with the Atlantic Economic Council. She noted that Saint John led the province in capital investments this year and is on track for a record 1.2 billion dollars next year.

To sustain this momentum, your city needs workers. Future growth targets include increased business through the port and the Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Companies want to expand logistics and warehouse management operations.

“We need the people to help do this expansion,” Asaff said. “Many different industries rely on newcomers coming to the province to be able to fill the positions and have that growth within their business so that we can capitalize on these capital projects.”

The Demographic Challenge

New Brunswick faces a significant demographic hurdle. About 21 percent of the population is 65 or older. Attracting and retaining newcomers is the only viable way to grow the labor force.

“It’s not dynamic enough,” Reardon said regarding the aging population. “So we need to change that and we can only change that really through immigration.”

Recent data shows the federal cuts already take a toll. A recent Auditor General report revealed a 64 percent drop in international study permits in New Brunswick between 2023 and 2024. Peter Halpin is the executive director of the Association of Atlantic Universities. He stated the region lost 9500 international students over the past two years.

“That’s a very, very significant hit not just to the institutions, but to the region’s economy and population growth strategies,” Halpin said.

Local leaders continue to push for an Atlantic Canada carve out. This tailored approach treats immigration targets differently in regions where population growth remains an urgent economic necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the federal government cut immigration numbers?

The federal government reduced immigration targets to relieve pressure on housing, infrastructure, and social services in Canada’s largest cities.

How do these cuts affect Saint John?

Saint John relies on newcomers to fill jobs and support economic expansion. The city has an aging population and needs a growing workforce to capitalize on recent industrial and port investments.

What is a regional immigration approach?

A regional approach sets immigration targets based on the specific needs of different areas. Leaders in New Brunswick want a system that recognizes their need for population growth instead of applying big city restrictions to the entire country.

How have international student numbers changed in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick experienced a 64 percent drop in international study permits between 2023 and 2024. This sharp decline removes a major pathway for newcomers to settle and work in the province.