Nova Scotia Geography
Nova Scotia is Canada’s second smallest province, with an area of 55,284 square kilometers (21,300 square miles) and is on the country’s eastern seaboard. It is made up of a peninsula and a series of islands. All-told, Nova Scotia has 7,400 kilometres (4,598 miles) of coastline, lakes, green forests, farmland, and attractive towns and cities. It boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 26 Canadian National Historical Sites, two national parks, and several other protected areas.
Halifax, the provincial capital, is strategically positioned to take advantage of international trade. It is closer to New York City and Boston than any other Canadian city. It is two hours closer to Europe by air (from Halifax Stanfield International Airport) and 1 day closer by ship than any other city in the whole of North America.
What is the population of Nova Scotia
The province’s population of just under one million is well educated; more than 70 percent have a post-secondary education. Many Nova Scotians are also bilingual, speaking English and French. The previous census recorded 13 languages, in all, being spoken by citizens and residents.
History of Nova Scotia and Cultural Heritage
The province is rightly proud of its long history of social justice. Most of the world’s major religions are practised there, and all immigrants immediately enjoy all legal and human privileges of living in Canada. Permanent residents possess all the rights of citizens, except that they cannot vote or seek employment in positions of high national security.
The first Europeans settled the area in 1605. The Mi'kma'ki, the First Nations people, had lived there for thousands of years before that. Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland, even though its early European immigrants were French, English, Scottish, and Irish. The name was used for the first time in a Royal Charter of 1621.
Nova Scotia is a family-friendly and business-friendly province. It has a low cost of living, the average commute to work is 16 minutes, and they say you can get from any board room to a beach in 30 minutes. The social and work culture is reflected in the fact that its workers have among the longest average job tenures and the fewest stoppage days in all of Canada.
Work, Investment, and Educational Opportunities
KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives Study ranked Halifax 8 out of 111 cities in North America for its overall business competitiveness (per Halifax Partnership) and 6st for lowest overall operating costs (per Halifax Partnership). Its diverse economy has resulted in Nova Scotia being projected to have the fastest-growing economy in all of Canada.
The most common lines of business include all the service sector areas, as well as agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, information technology, communications, ocean science, fishing, ship building, energy, mining, oil and gas exploration, defense, education, health care, and tourism.
The Port of Halifax has two super post-Panamax container terminals, as well as excellent rail, road, and ferry connections. The port has become the transload hub for imports, which are then transported to the Midwest and Central Canada.
Financial services are also experiencing growth. Five of Canada’s largest banks have their Atlantic Canadian headquarters in Nova Scotia, as well as more than 2,000 firms involved in finance, insurance, and real estate.
The school-leaving age is 16, and many students then study in college and university. Nova Scotia boasts with world-class universities, including the Dalhousie University and the Acadia University. has the highest density of universities per population in the country. The local community colleges also offer more than 150 different courses of study.
For anyone who does not speak either English or French, Canada has a free learning program (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) for all immigrant adults.
It is clear that there are many opportunities for immigrants and their families to study, work, and develop their entrepreneurial skills. It is also pleasing to note that Canada's Business Grant portal helps residents to locate business incentives, grants, and special financing opportunities.
Process of Immigration and living in Nova Scotia?
Anyone who wishes to immigrate, may benefit from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. Those who have skills and experience that Nova Scotia has targeted may be nominated to join. The program speeds up the typical immigration process.
Entrepreneur Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who have reasons to live in Nova Scotia. Applicants must receive an invitation to apply for this program.
Final Comment
Nova Scotia offers many personal and business opportunities. Its strategic location, its history of cultural diversity, its strong educational tradition, and its economic strengths make it an ideal location. If you would like to learn more about the Entrepreneur Stream, please contact us today. We would be delighted to provide a free, initial consultation.
